DeKALB – Santa is looking for a little extra help to fill his big red bag this year, and is hoping to drum up community support for homeless children who will be staying at Hope Haven over the holiday.
According to a news release from Michael Zack, who’s helped organize Santa’s special visit for the past four years atHope Haven homeless shelter, 1145 Rushmoore Drive, Santa expects to give clothing and gifts to 13 children this Christmas.
Zack oversees a Gofundme page for Hope Haven each year. As of Monday morning, $700 of a $900 goal had been raised. You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/njzsb-every-child-deserves-a-christmas.
It’s the highest number of children in need at the shelter that Zack has seen, he said. He said the number will likely grow to 20 as families make the shelter their home for the holidays closer to Christmas.
“There’s a look on their face when they see Santa stopping by where they live to give them their presents early,” Zack said in the release. “Each year, I see children laughing and dancing because Santa remembered them. For a couple hours, the children were able to experience the joy of Christmas.”
Zack said the giveaway is also heartwarming for parents, since often they’re not able to afford gifts for their children during the holidays.
