The Relative Caregiver Program is seeking toy donations to assist grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
Officials said, "The Relative Caregiver Program is making a big difference in the lives of those who are raising non-birth children, i.e., grandparents raising grandchildren, in Southeast Tennessee."
Designed to keep children out of foster care and with relatives instead, this program is a part of the Southeast Tn. Development District/Southeast Tn. Area Agency on Aging and Disability and is funded by the Department of Children’s Services.
Caregivers are increasingly finding that they cannot provide for their grandchildren on their own due to a lack of resources and/or support. The Relative Caregiver Program is available to link these families with assistance through community resources and peer support.
Year-round services include family advocacy, support groups, and enrichment activities.
The holidays can present an extra challenge for these families, and many will not be able to provide their children with a Christmas. In order to make sure no child is overlooked this holiday season, the Relative Caregiver Program will host a holiday celebration for these families, and is very much in need of toy donations to hand out to the children during the event.
If you are interested in assisting with this need, please contact Elizabeth Wood at 423 424-4202 or simply drop off your donated Christmas gift(s) at the Southeast Tennessee Development District at 1000 Riverfront Parkway in Chattanooga by Dec. 4.
Gifts for all ages will be accepted and very much appreciated.