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High Country Caregiver Foundation Holds Gift Drive for Kinship Caregivers Holiday Celebration Dec. 2

By Madison Fisler Lewis

Nov. 6, 2014. The High Country Caregiver Foundation once again needs the help and compassion of the community to collect gifts for children and families in its RAPP (Relatives as Parents Program) program. The organization is seeking donations of unwrapped toys, games, gift cards, sports equipment and gear, winter wear and bath and beauty products to help bring a little holiday cheer to children and families in need.

imgres140Kinship caregivers, which are non-parental members of the family acting as caregiver to a child, are often overlooked as families in need during the holiday season. This program aims to help out these special families and provide children with a beautiful holiday season this year.

On Dec. 2, the High Country Caregivers Association’s annual Holiday for Kids party will be hosted by the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority at the Appalachian Panhellenic Hall starting at 5:30 p.m.

This drive is sponsored by the High Country Caregivers Foundation, The High Country Council of Governments and High Country Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP).

“Kinship care families from Watauga and Avery counties that are actively enrolled in our program will be invited,” said Brenda Reece of the High Country Council of Governments.

“The party will consist of games, activities, entertainment, fabulous food and gifts for the caregivers and children.”

Along with gifts for the children in the program, the organization is also hoping to collect gifts for the children to give their caregivers as well. This year, the drive and the holiday party will assist approximately 35 kinship caregiver families with about 50 children.

Donations can be dropped off at the High Country Council of Government office between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. More drop off locations will be added when they become available. The High Country Council of Government office is located at 468 New Market Blvd. in Boone.

If you are a kinship caregiver and wish to receive assistance from this drive, please contact Brenda Reece at 828-265-5434. For more information about donations or the organization, click here.