Family and Children’s Place Launches Drive to Provide Warmth and Essentials to Vulnerable Families in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As temperatures in Kentucky begin to drop, the Family and Children’s Place has initiated a crucial drive to collect blankets, essential items, and gift cards to support families and children in need within the community. This nonprofit organization, dedicated to the welfare of abused and at-risk children, aims to ensure that vulnerable families stay warm and comfortable during the colder months.
The Family and Children’s Place serves approximately 5,000 individuals annually, with over half of those being children. The organization provides a variety of essential services, including advocacy and support for families facing challenges such as domestic abuse, food insecurity, and financial hardship.
Call for Community Support
Kristen Millwood, Vice President of Mission Advancement and Public Affairs at Family and Children’s Place, emphasized the importance of their current initiative. “We protect and nurture families and children. A blanket symbolizes wrapping love around them, offering both comfort and warmth. Many of our families are in financial distress, making this drive critical,” she stated.
The ongoing community drive seeks immediate donations of not only blankets but also non-perishable food items, snack bags, and gift cards from local grocery stores and gas stations. Millwood explained the objective, stating, “We want to meet families where they are, whether that means helping them secure groceries or providing a comforting source of warmth.”
Aiding Families Year-Round
Donations received during this drive will be utilized throughout the year in various programs, such as the Child Advocacy Center, where comfort items are particularly vital. “When children come in for forensic medical exams, we let them choose a blanket to keep them warm and provide emotional support during a stressful situation,” Millwood elaborated. These items are not only a source of physical warmth but also serve as a nurturing tool for healing.
Additionally, the organization uses blankets and essential items in programs such as the HANDS program and various school-based services, reinforcing their commitment to the holistic well-being of families in the community. Millwood further stated, “Many families are food insecure, and we want to wrap them in love and support during these trying times.”
Donation Details
Items can be dropped off at the Family and Children’s Place main campus located at 525 Zane Street in Louisville. The organization accepts donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., emphasizing the continuous need for these items throughout the year.
Millwood’s gratitude for community support was evident during a recent visit, as donations began pouring in. “Thank you so much! We truly appreciate all contributions. On behalf of our children and families, thank you!”
For more information and to contribute to the drive for warmth and stability, visit the Family and Children’s Place website to explore donation opportunities. Community engagement is essential for helping to provide critical support to Louisville’s most vulnerable families during the winter months and beyond.
