Building Bridges needs holiday gifts for kids, items for winter

Each week in her Make a Difference column, staff writer Meredith Moss shares a wish list from a local non-profit organization.

If your group has a list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com

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Building Bridges is the local non-profit organization that acts as a “safety net” for troubled, disadvantaged youth. The group seeks to redirect the lives of kids who need a second chance to make better choices, turn their lives around and find lasting success.

The intensive rehabilitation program is for at-risk youth between the ages of 9-18 that have not responded to more traditional forms of probation and supervision. As a result of their ongoing efforts, Building Bridges was honored this year with the 2014 “Image of Hope” Award, which celebrates great achievements in youth advocacy.

Work Therapy Groups offer youngsters structure and discipline, the opportunity to learn new skills, and a chance to give back to the community. Each week about 20-25 young people are involved with a variety of local community organizations ranging from food pantries to lawn mowing and yard clean up.

Julie Michael, a former Building Bridges client, says Building Bridges saved her life.

What they need

The holiday season is especially difficult for the kids and their families. Thanks to community support, Building Bridges is able to provide the kids and their families with a Thanksgiving meal.

Through the “Adopt-A-Kid” for Christmas program, gifts are given to the kids and their siblings.

“One of the highlights of the year is when the kids receive their gifts at our annual holiday party, complete with Santa, food, music, games & crafts,” says executive director Kelly Lance. “The presents the kids open at the party are very often the only gifts they receive during the holidays. The smiles they see on the kids’ faces as they open presents that were chosen just for them are priceless.”

Building Bridges is hoping some of our readers would like to “adopt” a child this Christmas: they can either provide you with their “wish list” so that you can purchase and wrap the gifts yourself or you can make a donation and their “elves” will shop and wrap the gifts for you!

Gifts are limited to $50 per child. Last year, they were able to provide 250 court-involved kids with gifts. The goal is to do the same again this year.

All gifts need to be delivered to Community Based Services/Building Bridges no later than Thursday, Dec. 18. The address is 3501 Merrimac Ave., Dayton, OH 45405. If you need for your gifts to be picked up, arrangements can be made.

The children will be receiving their gifts at the annual Building Bridges/Community Based Services Christmas party, which will be held on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northwest Recreation Center, 1600 Princeton Drive, Dayton. The community is invited as well.

Additional needs this winter:

Donations are all tax-deductible. Checks can be made out to Building Bridges and mailed to P.O. Box 1, Dayton, OH 45405. Call (937) 224-8907 for more information or visit www.bbyouth.org.