Wrapped in Hope seeks Christmas gifts for southeast Missouri children

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Community Counseling Center Foundation is seeking donors for its annual Wrapped in Hope program, which provides Christmas gifts to children receiving behavioral health services and their siblings.

The program connects individuals, businesses, churches and community groups with families in need across Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties.

Community Counseling Center caseworkers and staff identify participating children. Priority goes to families with the greatest need, with consideration given to whether they qualify for or have access to other Christmas assistance programs.

“Our caseworkers know these children and their circumstances,” said Michelle Ramsey, executive director of the foundation. “They help us identify families experiencing the greatest need while also considering whether other resources may be available.”

Siblings living in the same household may also participate, even if they do not receive services through the center. The foundation works to provide gifts of comparable value that are appropriate for each child.

Donors receive information about a child’s age, interests, clothing sizes and needs. Requested gifts may include toys, books and other items related to the child’s interests, as well as necessities such as coats, shoes, socks and clothing.

“This isn’t a generic toy drive,” Ramsey said. “Our donors are shopping for an individual child.”

Donors may also include a small gift for a parent or caregiver, though it is not required.

Participants can sponsor a child or family individually or with coworkers, relatives, church groups or friends. After signing up, donors receive shopping details, deadlines and delivery instructions.

Gifts should be delivered to the foundation unwrapped so they can be organized for distribution.

To participate or learn more, contact Cheryl Ellis at 573-339-6149 or cellis@cccntr.com.