the christmas box international newsletter
DESCRIPTION
April 2010TRANSCRIPT
The Christmas Box International
Out of the BoxEvery child deserves a childhood.
www.thechristmasboxhouse.org
Edition
01April 2010
ur mission is inspired by the spirit and message of The
Christmas Box, a book by Richard Paul Evans that emphasizes the
beauty and importance of love for children. The Christmas Box
International partners with local and international communities
and groups to prevent child abuse and to improve the quality of
life for children who have been abused or neglected.
O
Looking back at 2009
A young mother-to-be in Utah Valley was excited to welcome a
new baby into the family. Her aunt and family members had set
the date for a baby shower for her but before the shower date
came, she went into labor and lost the baby.
Amidst the tragic circumstances, her family and she still went
ahead with the baby shower that had been scheduled. Instead
of her keeping the gifts, it was decided that they would donate
them to CBI for the Utah Valley Christmas Box Room which
serves at risk children. These beautiful items would then be
available to serve babies coming into foster care.
Even the grandfather participated. He looked through the fabric
that his late wife, the grandmother, had in the house and let
family members make a beautiful baby blanket with it. This was
placed in a basket they prepared to donate to CBI along with the
other gifts. “The little one lost must have been a precious
little girl because all of the items in the basket ended up being
pink and purple”, said Betty Quinn, Utah Valley Christmas Box
Club President.
Story of Giving
The Christmas Box International (CBI) pro-
vided services to over 6,200 children and
youth who have been abused, neglected or
abandoned in Utah, regionally and in sev-
eral countries and partnered with 23 other
child welfare organizations.
CBI made great strides in expanding the
Lifestart Initiative serving youth who are
transitioning to adult living from foster care
and provided 600 Lifestart kits to youth in
Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Colorado.
Lifetime Products partnered with CBI to
donate and install new playground equip-
ment at the Salt Lake and Ogden Christmas
Box Houses.
The Christmas Box International
Administrative Offices
1775 W 1500 S
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone - 801-886-1113 Fax - 801-886-9066
www.thechristmasboxhouse.org
Lisa McDonald
Executive Director
Sherri Engar
Assistant Director
Douglas Smith
Financial Officer
Caleb Loveless
Programs and Development
For information about
volunteering, donating or
fundraising, please call:
Sherri Engar
801-886-1113
How to Get Involved
he Christmas Box Clubs are volunteers who engage commu-
nities in assisting youth
and children who are
abused, neglected and
abandoned by creat-
ing “Christmas Box
Rooms” in their own
areas.
A Christmas Box
Room is a room or space sup-
ported by community members and agencies.
It will be used to collect, store and provide items needed by
youth and children who are at risk in that area. If you are inter-
ested in joining one of the Christmas Box Clubs or donating
resources please contact us at 801-886-1113 or contact a Christ-
mas Box Club President.
Christmas Box WishlistItems donated for the children should be new
- Spring and summer clothing and pajamas
sizes 2T - Adult XXL
- Athletic shoes sizes children to adult
- Lg & XL duffle bags to be used as luggage as
children are removed from their homes
- Gift cards for field trips and activities for the
children
- Full-size hygiene items for teens
- Sensitive skin body wash
- Men’s plain adjustable belts
- Teen journals
- Teen art and craft supplies
- Car seats and car booster seats
TChristmas Box Club Presidents:
Salt Lake County, Joell Brown
801-553-8020
Weber/Davis County, Tami Baugh
801-698-3113
Utah County, Betty Quinn
801-465-3645
When it comes to assisting children and
youth in need, there are many opportuni-
ties to help. Whether it be volunteering,
donating items or funds or holding a
fundraiser, there are many ways to get
involved.
Click Here to
Donate
Nonprofit Day on the Hill was a great success this year! We spent the day with 33
member organizations who spoke to their legis-
lators about their impact in our community.
Thanks to Jayceen Craven Walker for sharing
her expertise and enthusiasm
onprofit Day on the Hill was held
February 23rd, 2010. It was a great
success this year! We spent the day
with 33 other member organizations
who contacted Utah legislators
about their impact in our commu-
nity.
CBI staff were able to speak with several
legislators and share with them the various efforts for children
being served by The Christmas Box International. Thank you to the
Utah Nonprofits Association for providing the training, support
and opportunity for the nonprofit participants.
The Giving Tree ProjectThis annual holiday season project
provides gifts for at-risk children.
In 2009 CBI:
Served more than 2,000 children
- 400 children in the Salt Lake area
- 215 children in the Ogden area
- 300 children through the coming year
- 1,100 children through partnering organizations
Giving Tree Project in-kind donations totaled almost $136,000
- Individuals and groups donated gifts
- Hundreds of volunteers gave their time
- Helped fill the Christmas Box Rooms
- Assisted 22 child welfare agencies
- Acquired many new donors
NConnecting with Legislators
Winter Activities at the Ogden Christmas Box House
Winter is a time when people start to get a little cabin
fever for some good weather. Though it is usually a stormy
time of year, it didn’t stop us from having a blast here at the
Christmas Box House.
Each month, we have the opportunity to have the therapy animals come into The
Christmas Box House. The kids all love this evening and really relate to the animals and to
the handlers who bring them in. This is always a good experience for all.
Bowling anyone? Whether you’re good or not at this sport, you can have fun, and fun is
exactly what our children and staff have when they go to Fat Cats to bowl and be together.
It’s a great place to be.
We were able to attend an indoor soccer game and all the kids enjoyed watching the play-
ers. It’s interesting to watch the kids as they relate to the players on the field.
The children attended the Ogden Winterfest and had a great time. There were all kinds of
activities for the kids to participate in and lots of things to see. Just when you think you’re
tired of snow, someone comes up with wonderful ideas to celebrate it.
As you will remember February was the Super Bowl and we were right there with the rest
of the nation enjoying a great Super Bowl party. There was pizza to eat, snacks to be con-
sumed and a good time for everyone involved.
We had 81 hours of volunteer service with Betty Franco being our volunteer of the month.
Thanks to all of our community helpers.
Other Upcoming Events:Mother’s Day Kids Fest Boutique
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 10am - 4pm
Salt Lake Board of Realtors Building
Proceeds will be given to The Christmas Box International.
In addition, there will be prizes, drawings, and give-a-
ways. Come early and get all your Mother’s Day shopping
done and support this amazing cause.
Kid’s Fest Golf Tournament
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 7:30am
River Oaks Golf Course
For registration or sponsorships, please contact Melanie
White 801-688-3810 or Dan Taylor 801-512-4200.
The proceeds will benefit The Christmas Box International.
The event includes lunch and a drawing for wonderful
prizes.