NEWPORT NEWS-THRIVE Peninsula has launched the new holiday program “Let Christmas THRIVE” that will help 400 children enjoy the season this year. The program will assist families who faced significant financial hardship in 2021 by providing them with gift cards.
“These families have struggled to keep a roof overhead and the lights on this year, the vast majority of them due to covid-19,” said Angela York, THRIVE’s executive director, in a press release. “We wanted to do something special for them so they can feel that joy that Christmas brings at a time when it is desperately needed. There’s something special about choosing the perfect color, size, and brand toy for your child. Through this program, we want to give that joy back to the parents.”
THRIVE Peninsula hopes to raise $30,000 for the initiative, which will provide each family with a $75 gift card per child. Donations to the program are being collected through November 12. The gift cards will be available to families after Thanksgiving. For more information or to donate, visit www.thrivepeninsula.org/christmas.