Jan DeFerbrache, owner of the Magic Candle gift shop in Irvington, and director of the nonprofit Gaia Works, is a busy lady this time of year. “This is the busy season,” she admitted as she loaded up Thanksgiving baskets for the needy. “Once this is done, I start in on the kids and families for Christmas.”
Gaia Works takes donations for local needy families to give them a good Christmas. They also gather donations for Coburn Place, a shelter for domestic abuse survivors. Jan said that they will be helping 87 children and 37 mothers who currently reside at Coburn Place. She has been helping brighten Christmas for Indianapolis since 1992, starting with handing out blankets and warm clothing to the homeless downtown.
As a child, Jan saw the good people could do for children at Christmas, giving them hope in a poverty-stricken area of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. She vividly remembers the “Christmas Train” that came through with gifts and little luxuries for the children in the area. As an adult, Jan remembered and was determined to give back what had been given to her.
She asks those who can spare it to donate new hats, scarves, gloves and other gear to the kids Gaia Works serves, who range in age from six months old to seventeen. They need games (non-electronic), stocking stuffers like coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and small toys, as well as larger gifts that can be wrapped and given on Christmas Day. Jan also would like to see candy, hot chocolate packets, and fruit like apples and oranges for the children’s stockings. “We always got an apple or an orange and we knew it came from Santa. Every kid needs a piece of fruit on Christmas Day!”
There will be a big wrapping party on the Monday before Christmas, December 22 at the Magic Candle, and delivery of gifts will be made December 24 in the morning to Coburn Place and the families. People who would like to volunteer are welcome. Jan also needs wrapping paper, tape and bows to wrap gifts.
Jan also has made it a special mission to help senior citizens this year, who are feeling the economic pinch, even as officials say the economy is getting better. “Our seniors, who paid into the system all their working years, are getting less in benefits, are seeing their insurance premiums go up, the cost of medicine and heating their homes go up. Many of them have to decide between getting their medication or food every month.” Helping seniors can be difficult, she acknowledged, because many of the needy will not ask for help. She reminds everyone to check on their senior neighbors, and if they seem to be in trouble, call. “I’ll make sure they get a care package of food and necessities.” She is asking for canned hams and other items that will make the season brighter for seniors in the community.
Gaia Works is a nonprofit, non-denominational charity registered in Indiana. All donations are tax deductible. The goal for Gaia Works is to assist local families, veterans, and homeless men and women.
Jan’s and Gaia Works’ giving isn’t just limited to the holiday season. They run a food pantry throughout the year, distributing nonperishable food to those in need. They also run a homeless outreach program in the city, providing warm clothing and food for the homeless. There is also Gaia’s Closet, which offers gently used clothing for the needy year round. Jan said that because of the generous spirit of people throughout the year, she’s been able to keep a steady supply of men’s clothes for the homeless.
Healthy, high protein foods for the pantry is always appreciated, as well as canned fruit, vegetables, meats, and pastas. Because many needy families have small children, diapers for all ages are welcome.
Gaia Works needs travel-size toiletries, including hair combs and brushes, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, deodorant, soaps, shampoos, hand cream, and baby powder as well as food items. Warm gloves, socks, scarves and hats are also appreciated.
Donations of nonperishable food for the pantry, as well as the homeless, can be brought to the Magic Candle, 203 S. Audubon, during business hours ( 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.) or call 357-8801 to arrange for a drop-off. Please make checks payable to Gaia Works, Inc. if you wish to make a money donation.
The Weekly View is also collecting toys and warm clothing for Gaia Works. Drop off donations at the office, 195 N. Shortridge Rd., Suite D, during business hours and we will deliver items to Gaia Works.
