Domestic Violence Prevention Inc. is gearing up for its annual Santa Store Christmas event. The Santa Store allows clients of DVP to Christmas shop for their children. DVP is asking for donations from the community to help make the effort a success.
"For some of these people, it's the first time they have been able to shop for their family. The look on their face when they see they can provide something for their kids when they thought the whole year they wouldn't be able to is pretty amazing," James Roberts, DVP director of operations, said.
DVP is looking for donations of new toys or clothing for children 0 to 17. Financial donations are also helpful.
"Every cent brought in goes straight to toys and clothing for the store," he said. "As far as the items we need, the most popular things are earbuds or little stickers for older kids. For the younger kids, which is what we have the most of, any age-appropriate toys will work. We don't need anything huge like (gaming consoles). We need things like LEGOs, toy cars and dolls."
They have approximately 150 children signed up to receive gifts through the program.
"This is available to our clients who have children that are in need of the help," Roberts said.
Donations should be dropped off by Dec. 17 during business hours at 424 Spruce St., Texarkana, Texas, at 1300 Main St., Hope, Ark., or at 209 E. Hiram in Atlanta, Texas. Financial donations can be made through the DVP Facebook or Instagram page using PayPal.
The store will be open to clients Dec. 19-21.
"Clients will be able to shop for toys for their children on their own in the store we set up," Roberts said.
For more information, call DVP at
903-794-4000.