TVCCA’s Annual Santa Anonymous Children’s Winter Boot Program is in the middle of another very busy year of providing new warm winter boots for children in the communities of Southern New London County. This is our 13th year and so far it looks like the demand is going to be much higher than last year. Our very generous business partners and community members contributed to our successful 12th year by helping us provide 806 pair of boots but we need their help again this year. So far we have received 772 referrals for boots and the requests are still coming in. These are tough times for families struggling to survive the high costs of energy and food and other daily needs. For many of our families it is a daily juggling act to make ends meet.
Over the years we have been able to provide boots for every child referred and it is our goal to do so again this year. We are told many times that this program is so important to the community and what the outcome would be if the RSVP and community partners could not do it. We believe that every child is deserving of a new pair of boots each year that fits appropriately and is gender appropriate.
The staff start working on the boot drive in September each year and work diligently right up to the second week of December. The reward is delivering all those beautiful wrapped boots and knowing there will be a great big smile on a childs face at the end of it and of course a great big sigh of relief from staff.
If you are interested in helping us meet our requests for boots here is how it works.
Children are referred to the program each year through the Elementary Schools, TVCCA’s Head Start and Early Child Care Programs and Social Service Departments. We need only the childs first name, gender, age and boot size. We give this information to our pledging donors and business partners. If you are unable to purchase and wish to donate you may make your monetary donation payable to RSVP-Santa Anonymous Boot Program. The boots are gift wrapped with the child’s name and assigned number and dropped off at the designated sites for delivery in December. For more information on becoming a donor and being a part of this community giving program you can contact Erica at 444-0006 ext. 116 or Jessica at ext. 117.
Best Wishes,
Cathy Visco
Director – RSVP
Thames Valley Council for Community Action
