Immediate Release
November 8, 2011
Batavia, Ohio. The holiday season is just around the corner. Clermont County Children’s Protective Services (CPS) is asking for community members to help ensure children in CPS custody have a happy holiday season. Volunteers are needed to sponsor over 300 children currently in foster care. “Last year, because of the generosity of our community, the holidays were a whole lot brighter for children in foster care,” said Community Toy Chest Coordinator Sanna Gast. “The children are so appreciative; it really means a lot to them!”
Individuals, businesses, church groups, and other organizations are encouraged to participate. “Children in foster care are between the ages of newborn and 18,” said Gast. “Sponsors can volunteer to purchase gifts for a single child or a sibling group. You will be given the child’s first name, age, sizes, and items on the child’s wish/needs list. Wish list items include toys, games, and warm coats.” Gast said that sponsors for teenagers are especially needed. “Many people tell us they don’t know what a teenager likes; gift cards to local stores and restaurants are always welcome,” she said.
If you would like to sponsor a child, but don’t have the time to shop, checks can be sent to the Community Toy Chest. Donations are used to purchase gifts for children who are not sponsored, or for those who come into county care later in the year. Checks can be mailed to the Community Toy Chest, 2400 Clermont Center Drive (Suite 206C), Batavia, Ohio 45103.
To sponsor a child this holiday season, contact Sanna Gast with the CPS Community Toy Chest at (513)732-7264 or email gasts@odjfs.state.oh.us. Gifts must be wrapped and marked with the number assigned to the child, and delivered to CPS offices by December 19, 2011; CPS is located at 2400 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia.
Pictured above: Sanna Gast with the CPS Community Toy Chest is surrounded by gifts donated for foster children
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@ clermontcountyohio.gov.