Local non-profit helps more families through holiday program than ever before

December 16, 2015 4:44 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

Denise Bart is checking out toys and shifting through shoes shopping for her daughter’s Christmas presents, something she would not have been able to do if it weren’t for the Big Brothers Big Sisters holiday shop.

"I’m on a strict budget and it’s hard to get the things that she wants. You know? It’s hard to do all of it. With the help, I am able to do more than what i am without it," says Bart.

The non-profit works each year to provide a wide-variety of toys in their own Santa’s workshop. This year, with the help from grants and Hasbro, they’ll help more families than ever before.

"Normally we help out 20-25 families with a 50 dollar gift card for Walmart, along with a toy for each child that they have in the home. This year, because of their generosity, we were able to help 45 families with a 100 dollar gift card to Walmart along with a toy," says Roxanne Trenteseaux, Vice President of Programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State.

Parents chosen in a lottery are able to choose one toy, one stocking stuffer, and one clothing item for each kid, without worrying about the cost.

"It’s been nice. I mean, I’ve seen families come in here and literally walk out crying because they’re able to put toys under the tree for their child, or get to Walmart and purchase their own thing that they want to buy. It tugs at your heart a little bit," adds Trenteseaux.

Parents like Bart say the program helps them provide a Christmas their kids deserve.

"With the help from these people I’m able to give her Christmases like I had growing up," says Bart.