CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — While many families have access to Christmas assistance programs, others may not qualify or may simply fall through the gaps. This holiday season, the Community Counseling Center Foundation is working to ensure children receiving behavioral health services through Community Counseling Center, along with their siblings, experience the joy of Christmas through its annual Wrapped in Hope Christmas Adoptions program.
Wrapped in Hope connects individuals, businesses, churches, civic organizations and community groups with children and families experiencing significant need across the five Southeast Missouri counties served by Community Counseling Center: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry and Ste. Genevieve.
Children participating in the program are identified by Community Counseling Center caseworkers and staff who work directly with the families receiving services. Priority is given to those experiencing the greatest need, while also considering whether families may qualify for or have access to other Christmas assistance programs.
“Wrapped in Hope is very intentional about reaching families who truly need additional support,” said Michelle Ramsey, Executive Director of the Community Counseling Center Foundation. “Our caseworkers know these children and their circumstances. They help us identify families experiencing the greatest need while also considering whether other resources may be available. We want Wrapped in Hope to reach children and families who might otherwise be overlooked.”
When a child selected for the program has siblings in the household, those children may also be included, even if they are not receiving services through Community Counseling Center. The Foundation works to ensure siblings receive gifts of comparable value and appropriateness so every child feels remembered on Christmas morning.
Donors receive information about each child’s age, interests, clothing sizes and specific needs, allowing them to shop personally for that child. Christmas wishes may include toys and gifts related to a child’s interests, along with practical necessities such as warm coats, shoes, socks and clothing.
“This isn’t a generic toy drive,” Ramsey said. “Our donors are shopping for an individual child. Maybe that child loves art, sports, dinosaurs or reading. We want the gifts they receive to send a simple but powerful message: You matter. You were remembered. Your community cares about you.“
While Wrapped in Hope focuses on children, some donors choose to include a small gift for a parent or caregiver. Although never required, it offers an additional opportunity to extend kindness to the family.
“Wrapped in Hope is about so much more than what’s underneath the Christmas tree,” Ramsey said. “When we can help make Christmas a little brighter for an entire family while preserving dignity and helping each child feel seen, that is what makes this program so special.”
Community members are encouraged to participate individually or join together with coworkers, family members, church groups, civic organizations or friends to adopt a child or family. Once donors sign up, they receive information specific to their adoption, including shopping details, deadlines and gift delivery instructions. All gifts should be delivered to the Foundation unwrapped so they can be organized and prepared for distribution.
Those interested in participating in Wrapped in Hope may contact Cheryl Ellis at 573-339-6149 or cellis@cccntr.com for more information or to sign up to adopt.
This Christmas, wrap a child in hope.