For immediate release
Contact: Kaylynn Dougall, Public relations 303-504-6555
Kaylynn.dougall@mhcd.org
Denver , Colorado Monday, November 26, 2007 . The Gifts of Joy Holiday Gift drive hopes to raise 1,000 gifts for the children, teenagers and families served by the child and family programs at the Mental Health Center of Denver (MHCD) who can't afford gifts at the holidays.
MHCD provides mental health services to children ranging in age from one to 18. Nearly all of these children have experienced trauma, emotional or physical abuse or have seen serious violence in their homes. Almost all are indigent and without gift donations these children may not receive a gift this holiday season.
The gift drive is going on now through December 14. Individuals can help by picking up an extra gift while out shopping this holiday season. Families and groups like book clubs, outdoor clubs, coworkers, or church groups can work together to gather gifts for the drive. Drop off unwrapped gifts to MHCD at 4141 E. Dickenson Place in Denver (approximately 2500 South Colorado Blvd. - just north of University Hills Plaza - Map) by Friday, December 14 at 5pm.
Gift suggestions come from the children themselves. Their expectations are not high and they often ask for small toys, jackets, boots or gifts for their parents or their siblings. Our teenagers ask for gift cards to buy music or that special something they've had their eye on. All gift donations are given directly to the children.
Listed below is a “wish list from the children” (donations are not limited to list):
Twenty dollar ($20) Gift cards (Target, WalMart and music stores), gifts and new clothes suitable for ages one to 18 years old; stuffed animals, books, games, coloring and art supplies, toy trucks and cars, sports equipment, soccer balls, footballs balls, Bratz and Barbie dolls (all ethnicities), Legos, Tinkertoys, baby dolls, educational games, model cars, CD players and walkmans with batteries, backpacks, winter jacket and boots (infant and elementary school).
Cash donations are also acceptable and can be made online. Click here.
MHCD wishes to thank Denver radio stations Martini (101.1FM) and Sassy (107.1FM) for their generous on-air support of Gifts of Joy.
The Mental Health Center of Denver (MHCD) is a private, not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3), community mental health care organization providing comprehensive, recovery-focused services to more than 6,500 residents in the Denver metro area each year. Founded in 1989, MHCD is Colorado's leading provider and key health care partner in the delivery of outcomes-based mental health services.
