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Seasonal Programs
The needs of families change throughout the year as school comes in and out of session and at Christmas. CCA provides for the seasonal needs of families in eight school districts, including:
Back-to-School Program provides each qualifying student with two new outfits, a pair of shoes, backpack and grade specific school supplies prior to the beginning of each school year. This year 1,535 students were identified through Family Assistance Coordinators (caseworkers), up 15 percent from the previous year.
Christmas Toy Store ensures that Santa will visit CCA children with the perfect gift. This program allows parents to provide Christmas for their children, despite the hardships they are currently facing, by selecting their children’s gifts from donations provided to CCA's Toy Store. Everything they need, from stocking stuffers to boxes and bows are provided to ensure a memorable holiday.
Each year, the store provides new toys to more than 3,000 children. It takes approximately 1,000 volunteers to help collect toys and work at CCA's Christmas Toy Store or mall where Giving Trees are set up with gift suggestions. Families are identified through Family Assistance caseworkers. For more information, please contact Maureen Cummings at 972-219-4344 or programs@ccahelps.org.
Kids Eat Free. During the school year, low-income families frequently rely on the USDA free and reduced school lunch program. The Kids Eat Free program provides lunch to children during the summer when many do not have lunch and are left to fend for themselves while their parents work. CCA coordinates volunteer groups from churches and other organizations to prepare and deliver more than 76,000 lunches and 9,000 children’s books to locations identified by CCA. Approximately 1,500 children receive a sandwich, drink, chips, a cookie and fruit daily.
Senior Christmas provides holiday wishes to elderly adults. Individuals and companies purchase Christmas gifts from a wish list and provide food, drinks and entertainment for the annual senior holiday party. To adopt a senior, contact Maureen Cummings at 972-219-4344 or programs@ccahelps.org.