Local nonprofit Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center is in need of sponsors to donate necessities for families in need this holiday season as part of its annual Cornelius Christmas program.
Families caring for children with special needs often face financial burdens and have difficulty affording gifts for the Christmas tree. At Special Kids, the Cornelius Christmas program allows individuals and groups from the community to give back to families who need financial support the most.
"Each year it seems people's needs get more basic as families are hit harder by job losses and the economy. Instead of asking for game systems, they are asking for food and clothing," said Sheri Weber, Director of Family Services at Special Kids. "I have families needing assistance who were able to give it in the past, and the families are so thankful for the assistance they receive."
The Special Kids Family Services Department is responsible for identifying the families in need and matching them with a community sponsor while keeping everything confidential. Sponsors range from individuals, families, employee groups, and Sunday school classes who come together to provide for an individual family.
"It's magical to see the joy the families show as they are picking up their gifts," said Weber. "For just one moment we are able to lift the burdens they carry with them daily, and it would not be possible without the support of our community sponsors."
Special Kids is looking for sponsors to donate essentials such as coats, shoes, blankets, and household goods such as paper products, cleaning supplies, and gift cards for gas, groceries, and prescriptions. The organization is also in need of volunteers to help collect and distribute the gifts during the week of December 8-12.
How to sign up to help:
Those interested in sponsoring can sign up online at specialkidstn.com/sign-up-form or by contacting Stephanie Folkmann at 615.893.4892 or sfolkmann@specialkidstn.com. Volunteers can contact Toni Laubacher at 615.893.4892 or tlaubacher@speicalkidstn.com.
Special Kids is a Christian therapy and nursing center for children with special needs. The Murfreesboro-based ministry started with one child in 1998 and has grown to serve over 2,700 children from 18 counties in middle Tennessee. For more information on Special Kids, please visit specialkidstn.com or call 615.893.4892.
