60 Thanksgiving wishes needed for local kids, families

During the month of November, D.A. Blodgett—St. John’s (DABSJ) is seeking the community’s help to grant 60 Thanksgiving Wishes. Thanksgiving Wishes is an annual drive where wishes are submitted on behalf of the children and families served by DABSJ. These are not a typical toy request like we see during the Christmas season. These wishes are items not covered by programs’ operating budgets, so the community’s generosity is needed. The wishes can provide an experience or better quality of life for a child or family.

Wishes include:

• MEIJER GIFT CARDS FOR KIDS IN INDEPENDENT LIVING: When our children move from foster or residential care to independent living, we like to give them continued support. Meijer gift cards can help greatly.

• CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR WORKING MOMS: Sometimes basic needs like cleaning supplies are difficult to cover, financially, for some parents we serve.

• DENTAL FUND DONATIONS: Unfortunately, many dental and orthodontic procedures for our children are not covered by Medicaid. We have a fund set up to help with these costs to ensure every child receives the treatments they need. Any additional support we can receive for the program will help many of the kids we serve.

• EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING: The Barn for Equine Learning facilitates Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy activities to give students the opportunity for emotional and personal growth and to meet personal goals.

• FULL LIST: http://www.dabsj.org/give-now/thanksgiving-wishes

Each year, over 2,000 children in Kent County suffer abuse and neglect. One of the goals at DABSJ is to provide children with a healthy, encouraging, and enriching home-life. “The opportunities provided by Thanksgiving Wishes give children and families a chance to experience things such as summer camp, take a driver’s training course, or get braces. It all plays a big role in creating a community where all children are treasured,” said Jim Paparella, President/CEO.

Contact Megan Zars at [email protected] with questions. Donations are tax deductible and can be dropped off at the Knapp Street Campus, 2355 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s: Serving children since 1887, the nonprofit’s mission is: Helping children and empowering families by providing safety, advocacy and support. With over 20 programs serving West Michigan, D.A. Blodgett–St. John’s vision is to be the leader in creating a community where all children are treasured and families are strong.