Agape for Youth needs toys, basics

HOW YOU CAN HELP

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Since 1989, Agape for Youth has been serving youth and families in 14 counties in southwest Ohio.

"We're a foster care, adoption and reunification agency and our goal is to provide stability and love to young people," says Sandra Geib, promotions and support services coordinator. The group was the recipient of the 2010 Better Business Eclipse Integrity award for nonprofit organizations.

The services provided are geared to advance the physical, mental, educational and emotional well being of children who have been abused or neglected. Geib says there are times when children are referred to foster care and arrive with very little clothing and, sometimes, only what they're wearing.

Geib says the agency continually receives referrals for children needing homes and that doesn’t stop at holiday time. They’ll have someone on-call even on Christmas Day.

“Many of our kids have never experienced a holiday, we have children who have never had a Christmas tree,” Geib says. “Donations can help these children experience Christmas.”

Toys and games are needed, not just as gifts at this time of year, but also year-round.

Ann Morrissey, reunification specialist, says she likes to give families who are reuniting books and games to encourage them to interact.

Here’s what Agape needs:

Donations can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Agape for Youth, 2621 Dryden Road, Suite 202.

For more information, call (937) 439–4406. Or see www.agapeforyouth.com