House of Hope, a leading non-profit provider of substance abuse and mental illness programming in South Florida, is kicking off a toy and fundraising drive for the holidays with donations accepted from now through Monday, December 21.

House of Hope is collecting toys for the children of residents that are in treatment. In an effort to minimize all contact in order to keep the House of Hope campus safe due to COVID-19, residents will not be able to visit their families and children. Toys donated will allow these moms and dads to send gifts to their children this holiday season. Additionally, the non-profit is collecting donations for much-needed items that will help the men and women in recovery feel more comfortable during their time at House of Hope. These items include clothes, hygiene products, git cards, books, puzzles, snacks and more.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for our clients and even more so this year because they aren’t able to spend time with their families due to COVID-19,” said Sue Glasscock, House of Hope CEO. “The toy and donation drives will help lift the spirits of our residents during the holidays, bring joy to their children and have a positive impact on their recovery journey.”

Collection locations are at the House of Hope food distribution center, 908 SW 1st St. in Fort Lauderdale, and Stepping Stones, House of Hope’s campus for female residents, 901 NE 17th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Monetary donations of any amount will also help with the budget deficit that House of Hope is facing due to the pandemic. Donations can be made at houseofhope.org/donate/.

To learn more about House of Hope, visit houseofhope.org.

About House of Hope

House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the treatment and support of those with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Since 1969, House of Hope/Stepping Stones has provided hope and healing to more than 500 men and women annually, in both a residential and outpatient setting. House of Hope plays a critical role within the continuum of care and provides hope and healing to those with no other alternatives. Many clients would return to homelessness or incarceration without treatment and the skills development needed to support themselves and their families. For more information, visit houseofhope.org.