Editor’s Note: This story is part of our Celebrate Community series. Each week, we feature nonprofit organizations improving Santa Rosa residents’ quality of life.
MILTON — The Santa Rosa Kids' House, at 5643 Stewart St., helps child abuse victims navigate questions and examinations during confusing, vulnerable times.
Here, children can receive medical exams and talk to authorities like the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office.
The Kids' House, under Executive Director Keith Ann Campbell, surrounds children with gentle imagery and toys. The goal is to show these children they are loved — and it’s apparent in a special way during the holidays.
The nonprofit organization is working on its angel tree, Campbell said. Under a traditional angel tree program, a Christmas tree is decorated with items bearing names of children in need. People can take a child’s wish list and buy him or her those items. The Kids' House lacks a physical angel tree, Campbell said, but those who want to help receive a wishlist of four items. The organization then ensures the gifts are delivered to the parent.
This is the second year the organization has opened its effort to the public. Before last year, Campbell said the Kids' House would only offer angel tree adoptions of children in active DCF cases.
"The first year, we had 250 kids,” she said. “The year before that, we had just over 100. It doubled, but it was still manageable. We didn't have anybody last year who didn't get presents. We're fortunate to have a lot of people who like to support the kids," she said.
So far this year, Campbell said they've already hit the 250-kid mark.
So what do children want? This year, girls are asking for Monster High dolls, according to Campbell. Boys are moving away from Matchbox cars, she said, and want remote-controlled cars, board games and books.
Call 623-1112 to learn more about the Santa Rosa Kids' House angel tree program.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Santa Rosa Kids' House ensures abused children feel loved during the holidays