Caritas Family Solutions Encourages Giving To Help Local Families In Need

The holidays are often a time of family gatherings and festivities. For families looking to create new traditions, Caritas Family Solutions is encouraging people to give back. The human service agency serves 6,300 year-round and its Secret Santa program is expected to help provide gifts for nearly 1,400 children this Christmas.

“Now is the perfect time for families to add something new to their holiday traditions,” said Caritas CEO Gary Huelsmann. “Our agency is always so grateful to have people sponsor our children in care through the Secret Santa program. However, our work doesn’t end when the holiday wraps up. Year-round support from the communities is needed to keep all of our programs up and running. Without our communities, we wouldn’t be able to address the need and have the impact we do. By helping our agency, your family can create new memories and traditions, all while knowing they are making a difference in the lives of others.”

The nonprofit organization also has service lines which include pregnancy care for women, foster care, adoption, counseling, community family stabilization for families experiencing homelessness and independent living for adults with disabilities.

“A donation of time or money can drastically enhance the lives of those we touch,” said Huelsmann. “Especially for our families in foster care and intact family services, any extra support, whether it’s a clothing donation or a financial contribution, can go a long way to help our youth in care. If you are interested in getting your family involved with our mission, this time of year is the perfect time to join our legacy of love.”

The organization is always looking for volunteers, staff and donations to help support its mission. For additional information or how you can help with the Secret Santa program or end-of-year giving, GO TO THE CARITAS WEBSITE.

Founded in 1947, Caritas Family Solutions is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. Services include adoption, community family stabilization programs, foster care, counseling, residential treatment for children healing from abuse and/or neglect, independent living for adults with developmental disabilities (CILA), and assisted living. Caritas serves more than 6,300 individuals annually across Southern Illinois from offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Olney, Glen Carbon, Alton, and Effingham as well as satellite locations in Highland and Sparta.