Helping Hands

Because many of our friends and neighbors struggle financially every day, there are many charities that work hard to help people in need. Here’s a list of local nonprofits that have additional needs for the holidays. To learn about many other ways to help throughout the year, visit Cherokee Focus.

Cherokee County Senior Services
www.cherokeega.com
Adopt a Senior: the following items are needed to fill gift bags: wallets for men, purses for women, $25 grocery gift cards and a book of stamps. Other items also accepted, but nothing perishable. Drop off donations at the senior center at 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-704-2320

Hugs for Seniors 
www.crpa.net
The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency is collecting items for Canton Nursing Center residents until Dec. 9 for the first Hugs in a Blanket campaign. Individuals can bring a warm blanket and a pair of unisex, one-size-fits-all socks to the rec center at 7545 Main St., building 200 in Woodstock. For more information, call 770-924-7768 or email lcollett@cherokeega.com.

Cherokee Family Violence Center 
www.cfvc.org
Items are needed year-round for the emergency shelter. A few special toys have been added to the list: lapadoodle lap desks for children and Crayola Color Wonders. The center has a transitional housing complex with 72 apartments and emergency shelter that accommodates 12 women and children. Officials are asking for donations of household items like pots and pans, plates, cups, mugs, silverware, Tupperware, etc. For delivery details, call 770-479-4641 or email jessica@cfvc.org.

Cherokee FOCUS
www.cherokeefocus.org
The agency, which works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives, has a wish list that focuses on education. Donors can give a gift to cover the cost of GED testing, college entrance fees, interview clothing, transportation, childcare, etc. 770-345-5483

The Children’s Haven 
www.CherokeeChildrensHaven.org
The Children’s Haven promotes the health and happiness of children in Cherokee who are Canton. affected by abuse. The group works to ensure their safety, advocate on their behalf and respond to meet their needs. Holiday needs have been met, but officials are asking for four or five basic iPads or notebooks so volunteers can remotely log into the data systems while on home visits or in court. Also, a microwave is needed for the visitation kitchen.  Items can be dropped off at 1083 Marietta Highway. 770-345-3274

Feed My Lambs 
www.feedmylambs.net
The nonprofit, which offers free Christian preschools, including a location in Canton, holds Happy Birthday Jesus parties each year for the young students. The Canton party, which is expected to draw 300 children, will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Canton YMCA. Volunteers can help with setup beginning at 5 p.m. Individuals or groups can sponsor a child: $10 gets a Happy Birthday Jesus shirt, $25 gets the child a shirt, gift bag, balloon, cake and drink. For more details, call Maggie Bridges at 770-795-9349.

Forever Fed
www.hopectr.com
Forever Fed is distributing 560 Christmas food boxes to families in need, a project that requires 14,000 pounds of donated nonperishable foods. Groups, businesses and individuals can donate peanut butter, jelly, canned beans, canned soups, 1-pound bags of rice, 1-pound packages of pasta, small bottles of vegetable oil, breakfast-style snacks and hygiene items. To donate, contact Susan@ForeverFed.org or phone 678-883-3314.

Goshen Valley Foundation
www.goshenvalley.org
The holidays can be difficult times for the foster youth, who are served by Goshen Valley.  The youth can use a little extra support from their community, and area residents can help by providing meals for the youth and house parents. “Frozen casseroles are a huge blessing for our house parents who are having to prepare three meals a day when the boys are out of school,” says Zach Blend, executive director of Goshen Valley. Individuals or small groups are encouraged to donate frozen meals. You can even deliver them in person and take a tour of Goshen Valley. Gift cards from Walmart, Target and Amazon can also help to fill many Christmas wish lists. Another need is artificial Christmas trees for the homes. These can be small, tabletop trees to full-size trees. For more information, email Carley Jacobs at cstephens@goshenvalley.org or call 770-345-9535.

Hope Center 
www.hopectr.com
The pregnancy diagnosis and support center can use donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0-8 for the Christmas toy closet. Donations accepted through Dec. 5 at Seeds Thrift Store, 295 Molly Lane, Woodstock.  770-517-4450 www.seedsthriftstore.com

MUST Ministries – Cherokee
www.mustministries.org
The nonprofit provides a Christmas Toy Shop where clients can shop for their families. MUST can use donations of unwrapped new toys, as well as blankets, underwear, socks, scarves and gloves. A pair of new socks can be stuffed with hygiene items, small toys, nail polish, playing cards, etc. Volunteers are needed to set up and man the toy shop, beginning Dec. 6. For more information or to schedule a drop-off date and time email: toyshop@mustministries.org. MUST’s Canton office for donation drop is 111 Brown Industrial Parkway.

Never Alone
www.neveralone.org
The Woodstock nonprofit, which helps area residents in need by distributing food and clothing, is providing Christmas hams and meal boxes. Cost to sponsor a family is $25. Donations are tax deductible. Make a tax-deductible donation online or mail a check, payable to Never Alone, to P.O. Box 1904, Woodstock GA 30188.

North Ga. Pregnancy and Family Resource Center
The Jasper agency serves North Cherokee, Pickens and surrounding counties. FREE and confidential services, include pregnancy tests, first semester ultrasounds, parenting classes and much more. The nonprofit, which serves pregnant moms and families with children up to 5 years old, needs diapers, wipes, baby clothes size 0-3T, pack-n-plays, baby shower items and financial contributions.  706-253-6303 www.babyontheway.org

Papa’s Pantry 
www.papaspantry.org
The pantry is accepting donations for holiday meals, including turkeys, hams, produce and nonperishable food items. A list of seasonal needs is kept up-to-date on the website. Papa’s Pantry is a food and stability training organization for Cherokee residents. For details, call 770-591-4730.

Secret Santa 
www.cherokeesanta.com
The Secret Santa program of the Department of Family and Children’s Services for Cherokee County offers a way for individuals, businesses or larger groups such as Sunday school classes or Scout troops to help the more than 350 children in foster care this year. Sponsors can donate as much or as little as they can. All size donations are appreciated. For more details, call Secret Santa at 470-235-0753 or email cherokeesanta@yahoo.com.