Families Helping Families collecting holiday presents for kids in foster care

CEDAR RAPIDS — Families Helping Families of Iowa is collecting donations for presents to give at their annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration.

The nonprofit organization that helps and supports children in foster care is collecting new toys or gift cards through Friday, Dec. 2. The suggested value of each toy or gift card is $25. They can be delivered to the Families Helping Families office at 6000 7th St SW in Cedar Rapids.

Each December, Families Helping Families hosts a holiday party for over 1,000 members of the foster care community as a part of their vision to create positive opportunities, relationships, and better overall health for youth in Iowa who have been removed from their home. This festive event includes gifts, food, crafts, Santa Claus and a visit to Santa's Workshop!

Financial donations to help purchase gifts are also welcome. Donations can be made online at familieshelpingfamiliesofiowa.org/donate. Please select 2022 Holiday Toy Drive on the donation form.

The Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration is Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hawkeye Downs Expo Center. The event is free for children in foster care, those adopted from foster care and other children living in the foster household. Preregistration is required. Foster parents and caregivers can register their families at familieshelpingfamiliesofiowa.org.

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