Help spread holiday cheer to Elkhart County families through CAPS’ Heart of the Holiday program!
Heart of the Holidays is an annual tradition at CAPS that provides families with holiday gifts they may not receive otherwise. CAPS connects supporters — businesses, churches, individuals, families, and other groups — with families in its programs and their holiday wish lists. These wish lists typically include requests for basic necessities such as personal hygiene items, gift cards for food, clothing and cleaning supplies, as well as toys and books for children.
Last year, CAPS connected 48 families with supporters who provided each family with holiday gifts. This year, CAPS intends to serve almost double the number of families, thanks in part to presenting sponsor THOR.
“Every child deserves to experience the joy of the holiday season, and we are grateful for the generous support of the community which helps us to bring holiday cheer to Elkhart County families,” said CAPS CEO Rebecca Shetler Fast.
This year, CAPS is extending an open invitation to more businesses, churches, individuals, families, and groups to support Heart of the Holidays and families served by CAPS. Anyone interested can fill out this form to get assigned one or more families. The deadline to sign up as a gift donor is Friday, November 17 to give gift donors time to shop!
The deadline to drop off gifts at CAPS is Friday, December 8th. Gifts can be dropped off at CAPS’ office (1000 Hively Ave, Elkhart IN 46517) beforehand, anytime between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Child and Parent Services (CAPS) has been supporting children and families in Elkhart County, Indiana, since 1976. CAPS works to ensure that families have the resources they need to thrive and every child lives a life free from abuse and neglect. This mission is accomplished through programs that respond to cases of abuse and neglect and that support families through upstream prevention and resource navigation. CAPS’ unique model of services provides holistic and relationship-based programs and education to meet families where they are and help them live healthy, safe, and happy lives. Annually, CAPS serves nearly 3,000 children and almost 2,000 families, with programs covering pre-natal support through the full span of childhood.