Donations, volunteers sought for Homeless Children’s Trust event in Iowa City

Donations and volunteers are needed for the 26th annual Homeless Children's Trust Christmas Shopping & Party, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Iowa City Moose Lodge 1096, 3151 Highway 6 East.

This year's event is to entertain 150 children, according to chairwoman Mary Larew.

'As volunteers entertain the children at the lodge, parents are given a $50 gift card for each child at Kmart,” she explained. 'Parents are free to purchase whatever they feel will be suitable for their child, be it clothing, games, toys or makeup.”

After shopping, lunch is to be served at 11 a.m. for all parents, children and volunteers. Santa also plans to make a stop at the Moose Lodge to visit with children at 9:30 a.m.

The Homeless Children's Trust is part of the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program and is a non-profit organization that provides housing to 55 families in Johnson County, heating assistance, Head Start for 260 children and job assistance.

Larew said volunteers are needed for the following activities:

- Stocking stuffers - HACAP, 367 Southgate, 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

- Companion shoppers - Shopping with parents at Kmart on Saturday, Dec. 10.

- Gift wrapping - From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Kmart.

- Child care, party preparation and party cleanup - At the Moose Lodge on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Those wishing to volunteer should call Larew at (319) 338-1212 or (319) 337-2264 or send email to marylarew33@yahoo.com.

Several donations also are needed for the event, including toys for children up to age 18; stuffed animals; hats, gloves, mittens and scarves; puzzles, books and games; and toiletry items for teenagers.

Items should be dropped off by Wednesday, Dec. 7, at one of the following locations:

- HACAP Service Centers - 318 E. Bloomington St. and 367 Southgate Ave. in Iowa City and 2441 10th St., Coralville.

- Hills Bank - 1401 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City and 1009 Second St., Coralville.

- Kmart - 901 Hollywood Blvd., Iowa City.

- GEICO Insurance - 2213 Second St., Coralville.

- KXIC - 1 Stephen Atkins Drive, Iowa City.

- Core Fitness - 2220 Mormon Trek Blvd., Iowa City and 1395 Jordan St., North Liberty.

- Iowa City Senior Center - 28 S. Linn St.

- Hy-Vee - 1720 Waterfront Drive, Iowa City.

Larew said financial contributions also are needed. Checks should be made out to Homeless Children's Trust and mailed to HACAP, 367 Southgate Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240.