Domestic Violence Prevention, Inc. is gearing up for its 2023 Santa Store Christmas program which provides its clients the opportunity to Christmas shop for their children. DVP will fill the store with new, unwrapped, age-appropriate toys and items and the parent will be able to choose gifts for their child at no cost to them.
DVP is asking for the community to help make this project a success by donating toys, items for teens or making a financial contribution so that we can help provide an entire Christmas for these children in need.
“Many of the children we see wouldn’t get to experience Christmas this year without the Santa Store. This program builds self-esteem and pride in the parents and gives kids a Christmas they can enjoy. They’ve been through so many bad days and we aim to make Christmas one day they can make good memories,” said James Roberts, DVP executive director. “With the financial hardships caused by the rising price of fuel, groceries and utilities, this program is even more needed this year.”
Last year approximately 300 people were served and DVP anticipates serving the same number of people this year.
“Our goal is to collect $30,000 in donated toys and cash to make sure we are able to provide for these families in need,” Roberts said.
The community can donate new toys or make a financial donation and DVP will do the shopping.
“Our agency knows the needs of the families we serve. Many of DVP’s clients don’t have the necessary documents to receive assistance from other programs that provide Christmas gifts for children or they are afraid to ask for help in such a public way,” Roberts said.
The opportunity to shop in the Santa Store will be available to families who’ve stayed at the DVP shelter or whose parents have received outreach services in the past year. The Santa Store will be in a secure location in the weeks before Christmas.
Financial donations or donations of new toys can be dropped off at DVP’s office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at 424 Spruce St., Texarkana, Texas 75501 or mailed to PO Box 712, Texarkana, Texas 75504. All donations should be in by Dec. 15.
Needed items include bicycles, skateboards, ride-on toys, craft sets, art supplies, portable chargers, Bluetooth speakers, hair accessories, lava lamps, cologne or body wash sets, head phones, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, wallets, etc.
Call DVP at 903-794-4000 for more information. Anyone who needs help escaping a violent situation can call the 24-hour crisis line at 903-793-HELP (4357).
