Holiday Helpers. Charity for Children infected or effected by AIDS.

[stephendare]

Holiday Helpers is an organization committed to making the holidays special for children directly affected by or infected with HIV or AIDS.

The concept is very simple and just as beautiful.

The organization makes out 'wish cards' for each of the children that they serve, and then you pick one of the cards, and try to fulfill as many of the requests on each of them as you can (you don't have to do all of them!)

Then you drop the presents off (with the card so that it goes to the appropriate child) at one of the drop off spots----Three Layers in Springfield is an example---and then the gifts are matched to the child in time for the holidays.
Here are the local drop off locations:
http://www.holidayhelpersjax.org/dropoff_locations.php

This is such a sweet and wonderful way to help out on the small scale for the holidays.

Check out their facebook page for more information!
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=31918843201

Also they have a great website
http://www.holidayhelpersjax.org/

Holiday Helpers was formed back in 1980 under the name Santa’s Pals. In 1999 the organization grew to encompass over five counties and 700 children and adults. With the need growing fast and the donations at a slower pace the members of Santa’s Pals knew the mission statement needed to change.

In 2000 Santa’s Pals decided to change the mission statement to “An organization committed to helping children affected by or infected with HIV and AIDS”. With that modification the organization decided to open to a more diverse crowd by changing it’s name from a Christian symbol to an eclectic name, Holiday Helpers. With these few modifications Holiday Helpers has continued a stabilized grow keeping in mind what the holidays are all about, the children.

This organization only survives with the help of its donations and volunteers. Over the past 7 years we’ve cut to a 10% operational fee leaving more money for growth and outreach. Together, Holiday Helpers and the citizens of the Jacksonville area are making the holidays more special then ever for children directly affected by or infected with HIV and AIDS.

[braeburn]

Here is the (now) current and updated schedule of events:

11 / 27 / 2009 Location: Park Place
Description of Event:
     Night out - giving cards out and 50/50 raffle to raise much needed funds for the kids event in December.

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11 / 28 / 2009 Location: Metro Complex
Description of Event:
     Night out at Metro - with Angel cards to be given out will be there from 9:30 until 11:30pm.

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11 / 28 / 2009 Location: three layers a coffee house
Description of Event:
     Angel tree cards from 6pm till 8pm

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11 / 29 / 2009 Location: St Luke's Community Church
Description of Event:
     After Service in the Twar Hall we will have the tree and Cards for you to adopt a child for the holidays! 

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12 / 04 / 2009 Location: In Cahoots
Description of Event:
     Fundraiser / Benefit for Holiday Helpers Gift cards given out must be back by December 12th. Also a few great auction items up for bids from Paula Dean, Ant and Leslie Jordan...and a local Artist Michael Woodman's work ..and more...

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12 / 11 / 2009 Location: AJ's Bar and Grill
Description of Event:
     a night of fun and frolic...at 8 PM fun night and names given out

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12 / 12 / 2009 Location: 616 Finale and Blowout
Description of Event:
     yes this is the finale for the event for the kids will have some Auction and giveaways and have some fun....drink specials and good times... festivities start at 8 PM

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12 / 13 / 2009 Location: St Luke's Community Church
Description of Event:
     After Service in the Twar Hall we will have the tree and Cards for you to adopt a child for the holidays! (will be at this location on Saturday Dec 19th) 

[braeburn]

Shameless bump... come on guys - check out the schedule and the facebook and the website!

[Reaper man]

Sadly, I'm too low on money myself to have any left over for the unfortunate(I can only budget 535 a month.  435 of that goes into rent and my cellphone bill, leaving 100 for food and other expenses).  I do hope that the citizens around here do contribute, though.

[braeburn]

Times are understandably difficult for many If anything, for those interested:

You could always offer your time or assistance with the fundraisers, or with the final event to help hand out the toys, help with the after cleanup, etc... these are things that would be certainly appreciated by all without the need to purchase toys or make monetary donations.

If anyone is interested in that regard, feel free to send me a PM. Keep your eyes on the calendar of events - if anything, just showing up can be a way to participate!