BATAVIA, Ohio (Sept. 20, 2017) – Clermont County Children’s Protective Services (CPS) is hoping to brighten the holidays for the 280 children in its custody – and residents, churches, businesses, and organizations in Clermont County can help.

“For years, our generous sponsors of the Community Toy Chest have helped to make Christmas a happier time for our children, most of whom are in foster care,” said Sanna Gast, coordinator of the Toy Chest. “When you sign up to sponsor an individual child, or a family, you make sure that our kids have presents to unwrap on Christmas Day.”

Those who are interested in sponsoring a child will get a first name, age, and a wish list from Gast. They are asked to shop for the child and turn in the gifts by a date that will be indicated.

Monetary donations are also welcomed, Gast said. The staff can pool together the donations to buy gift cards or electronic gifts for older youth. The age range of the children, who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect, is from infancy to 18.

Some children come as late as Christmas Eve into the care of CPS, Gast said. Even in the midst of that trauma, those children will receive wrapped gifts.

If you are interested in sponsoring a child or a family, please contact Gast at sanna.gast@jfs.ohio.gov, or call her at 513.732.7264.

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