December 5, 2020
By Lee’s Summit Tribune Staff
Everyone knows how tough 2020 has been on adults and children alike. Could you imagine how difficult it has been on families who have had to flee their home to seek shelter due to domestic violence?
Teens who are participating in the St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Confirmation preparation program have heard about the needs of those families and know that there are 80 kids already signed up for something from “Santa” for Christmas or for gifts for the kids’ Mom. So the Confirmation candidates are doing something to help.
“We are gathering new items to help meet the needs of the 80 people who have already signed up and many others who will need help to have Christmas gifts,” said Josie, one of the confirmation candidates. Two other girls in the program also are helping with donations.
According to Hope House CEO MaryAnne Metheny, that number is expected to double and may hit 200 by Christmas week. “The need is huge for kids who are infants, toddlers and especially, teens,” Metheny said. “And, of course, the kids want to be sure their Mom gets something, too.”
The Confirmation candidates are gathering stuffed animals, books, small clothing items like socks, hats, scarves and gloves as well as coloring books and crayons. “Of course, we will have candy cane treats for the kids,” according to the girls.
“For our teens and our Moms, we know they need gift cards for iTunes, stores like Target and Walmart, grocery stores like HyVee and Price Chopper and fast food restaurants like McDonalds, Chick-fil-A and Lion’s Choice,” Metheny added.
The adult leader of the St. Margaret confirmation preparation program, Deacon Dave Rennicke, is looking forward to seeing the results and is encouraging the group’s effort. “We are proud of our youth who are getting involved and taking care of the vulnerable in the community.”
This year shelter residents and other Hope House clients will get a special, pandemic appropriate, visit from Santa to deliver the goodies, Metheny said.
To join the efforts of the St. Margaret Confirmation Drive visit the Hope House website or check out the Amazon Smile Wish List where you can order a gift and it will be delivered directly to Hope House.
Suggested gift items are:
Teens – watches, necklaces, earrings, purses, wallets, cologne, perfume, portable speakers, ear buds, wireless head phones, electronic games/game systems, gift cards (Foot Locker, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, Target, PS4, Amazon) sports jerseys, hoodies, Chiefs/Royals/Sporting KC swag, tennis shoes, flip flops, tablets, E-readers, hair accessories, make-up, journals.
Children – (non-violent toys) ethnic dolls/toys, PAW Patrol toys, dolls, dollhouses, dress-up toys, Lego sets, Play-doh sets, handheld games/electronic toys, scooters, roller blades, bicycles, skate boards, helmets/protective gear, outdoor activity sets, fishing equipment, winter coats, snow boots, hats, gloves, coloring books, craft kits, pajamas, underwear.
Women – planners, journals, watches, necklaces, earrings, purses, wallets, cologne, perfune, bath/lotion sets, flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, gift cards (Target, Wal-Mart, Beauty Brands, Quik Trip, gas cards, grocery cards) tablets, E-readers
Holiday Store Supplies – tissue paper, tags, scissors, bows, wrapping paper, tape, batteries of all sizes
