Don't Forget The Teens This Christmas!

On average, the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services' Youth and Family Services Division has 1,000 children in legal custody. Of the 1,000 children in custody, 46% are between the ages of 11; and 18.  30% are above the age of 14. For this reason, it is easy to see why Youth and Family Services struggles every year to meet the Christmas wishes of our teenagers. Small children aren't the only ones who get excited about the holidays. Teens love getting gifts, too. You can give a special gift to a DSS foster teenager. Below is a suggested list of gift items that will assist us in providing for our teenagers for Christmas. 

The Department of Social Services' Community Resources Office suggests the following gifts for teenagers:  

• Cologne/Perfume sets
• CD headphone, CD players, CD's (without parental advisory label)
• Cameras, photo albums
• Alarm clocks/radio
• Wallets for males or Purses & wallets for females
• Jewelry/Jewelry boxes
• Watches for male & female
• Hair accessories/ products
• Makeup sets/bags
• Basketballs, Footballs
• Sports games
• Hand held games
• Computer games and Video games
• Board games for teens
• Arts/Crafts – jewelry making kits, drawing sets, building kits
• Books for teens
• Remote control cars/airplanes
• Sports clothing, jerseys, caps, sweatshirts
• Jackets/coats, Sweat suits
• Duffle bags, overnight bags
• Gift cards for clothing, electronics, movies, etc.
• Black baby dolls, Black Barbie dolls for younger children

Please deliver your gift for a special teen to our designated Youth and Family Services Toy Shop. All items are distributed by social workers to the teens in foster care.

Call Cindy Brady at 704-336-7348 to see how you can be a part of the Youth & Family Services for more information and the Toy Shop delivery site. 

Enjoy your holiday knowing that you helped someone in need.  Review the Holiday Sponsorship Form and let us know how you would like to help!