Canopy’s South Mississippi Child Advocacy Center Kicks Off Holiday Gift Drive

DECEMBER 1, 2020 – Gratitude is the foundation of joy and showing gratitude by helping others is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. To help spread joy to local children, Canopy Children’s Solutions’ South Mississippi Child Advocacy Center (SMCAC) is encouraging the local community to get involved with its Annual Gift Drive. With the effects of the pandemic followed by an unusually active hurricane season, more Gulf Coast families than normal will struggle to provide their children with holiday cheer.

“This has been a hard year, but the holidays are a special time, especially for kids, and we want to help those in need continue holiday traditions and bring joy and hope to Gulf Coast families,” said Lisa Zimmerman, SMCAC Lead Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator. “Our goal is to provide gifts for 75 kids we have helped through the center and offer support to another 50 families who are being served by Canopy’s community programs. We need the community’s help to make this happen.”

Donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children ages 3 to 17 will be accepted at the SMCAC’s Harrison and Jackson County locations (2315 17th St #3 in Gulfport and 706 Watts Ave in Pascagoula respectively). If a business is interested in participating as a drop-off location, please contact SMCAC at 228.868.8686.

Canopy’s SMCAC serves children and their families who have experienced the pain of abuse, neglect, domestic violence and exploitation. SMCAC has two centers, located in Gulfport and downtown Pascagoula, which offer support and services to these children and families free of charge. Children are provided with forensic interviews to help investigators understand the events they have experienced and SMCAC staff work alongside law enforcement, prosecutors, mental health professionals, medical providers and child welfare agents to pursue justice for these children and provide support and security for their families. SMCAC is able to provide for the complex needs of its clients thanks to contributions and support from the local community.

Donations for the gift drive will be accepted through Tuesday, December 15.

ABOUT CANOPY CHILDREN’S SOLUTIONS: Canopy Children’s Solutions is Mississippi’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational and social service solutions. Founded in 1912, Canopy offers a full array of integrated, community-based services in all 82 counties as well as intensive campus-based and educational programming.  For more information, please contact 800-388-6247 or visit us on the web at mycanopy.org.