It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There are lights adorning homes, holiday classics being sung, Christmas trees getting decorated, and holiday shopping being done. Among the hustle and bustle of the season, there are endless opportunities to visit Santa at events around town, all encouraging little ones to bring their Christmas wish lists of items they hope to see under the tree on Christmas morning.

For some though, this time of year can look a lot differently. For those families who are in need this holiday season, Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana (VOASCLA) is working to make the season brighter through their Hope Under the Tree program.

Since 1921, the organization has been serving communities in need in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Shannon Abney, the Vice President Chief Development Officer, explains, “We go into the communities that we serve, and we figure out where there’s a need and where there’s gaps, and we fill in those gaps.” The Hope Under the Tree program is just one of the many programs and services they offer that meet those needs.

“We’ve had some form of Christmas giving program since we originated back in 1921, and we would find a way to make Christmas better for individuals that were suffering or in need in the community,” says Abney.

Hope Under the Tree allows donors to “adopt” individuals, children, or families and help make their holidays merrier. Those on the list to receive items include homeless families in transition, families in crisis, foster children, seniors, veterans, adults with disabilities, and families who are dealing with HIV/AIDS.

VOASCLA works with these individuals in need to curate wish lists of items they would like to receive, along with life’s necessities. Included with their wish list is their name, age, and a few facts about them, including their favorite color and other interests. The items on the wish lists vary.

“A lot of times, they are asking for basics like household or kitchen items that they need. It could be slippers, pajamas, bath towels, a robe, or a blanket. It can also be a bottle of perfume or a personal care item. They can also submit clothing items, and on the wish list, we submit sizes,” says Abney.

For the children, some of the items they add to their wish lists include books, puzzles, Legos, video games, board games, music or electronics, stuffed animals, bikes, art and jewelry making kits, footballs, baseballs, basketballs, sensory toys, or developmental toys.

Once the lists are submitted, VOASCLA will begin matching the lists to the donors who are participating. Abney explains, “We match donors up with our wish lists. Some people, their passion is helping veterans, so we’ll match them up with veterans. Some people really want to help children, and some people want to help our adults with disabilities that we have in our programs. During the week of December 11-15, we have them deliver their gifts for the families and children and individuals that they adopted to our corporate office.”

From there, the gifts are delivered to the families. VOASCLA will often host parties in order to hand out the gifts, and other times, the parents will use them as gifts from Santa. It all depends on the individual’s situation.

Last year, VOASCLA had 475 individuals, children, and families adopted with 735 gifts being delivered.

If shopping isn’t your thing, you can still participate in the giving program. The organization is always in need of deodorant, toothbrushes, soap, socks, underwear, and undershirts, etc. Or, if you prefer a different approach, they also have opportunities to give financially, including meal purchases, gift cards, or an item for another program.

Whether the gift is big or small, every little bit counts because you will be making a difference in these family’s lives. If you’re interested in learning more or participating in Hope Under the Tree, email Melanie Boone at development@voascla.org, or call (225) 408-3789.