Everyone deserves a happy holiday season, regardless of their circumstances or financial situation. With this in mind, the South Central Louisiana chapter of Volunteers of America hosts the annual Hope Under the Tree initiative every Christmas, allowing donors to purchase presents for individuals and families in VOA programs.

“The folks we help are the most vulnerable in the community,” says Shannon Abney, Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana. “If it weren’t for our organization and the donors, they likely wouldn’t have Christmas presents under the tree.”

These vulnerable community members include adults with disabilities, at-risk seniors, veterans and their families, children and families transitioning from homelessness, and children with special needs in VOA’s therapeutic foster program. Those who participate in VOA programs submit a wish list with a few items that the parent, adult or child would like to receive, and each individual or family is matched with a donor to fulfill those Christmas wishes.

“We have so many fabulous folks that come out in the community to help fill these wish lists,” Abney says, noting that local churches are some of the biggest donors, including St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church (who adopt all senior residents at Oak Park and Dumas House care facilities), St. James Episcopal Church and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. “Last year alone, more than 620 individuals received special gifts through Hope Under the Tree.”

While the children’s wish lists note their favorite colors and special interests, along with the specific toys and games they hope to receive, many of the adults’ wish lists are comprised of everyday items they might consider a luxury, such as hygiene products, towels, bathrobes and slippers.

“Our mission is to reach out and uplift all people,” Abney says. “To help give people a hand so they can become self-sufficient and get back on their feet.”

Present delivery is kept confidential with the help of hardworking case managers who serve as liaisons, but the wish lists allow donors to feel a sense of connection and purpose when Christmas shopping.

Along with the Hope Under the Tree program, which is still accepting donors for this Christmas, there are many other ways to give back with the Volunteers of America this holiday season. “During this time of year, cold-weather donations like scarves and hats made to our homeless services center are greatly appreciated,” Abney says.

At the center, those who are unhoused can shower, do their laundry, use the telephone and computer, get a snack and a drink and more, but Abney says that many of these people are just looking to get out of the elements. “We’re always accepting donations of everyday items like deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, etc., for the center,” she notes. But any donation, at any time of the year, helps support VOA’s mission by assisting the most vulnerable people in Baton Rouge.

“We definitely have a lot of support in the community, which is great to see,” Abney says. “It’s just amazing knowing that you’re making an impact on someone who is really in need and struggling. I feel like the Greater Baton Rouge community has so much need and poverty, and I think that if it weren’t for nonprofits, I don’t know where a lot of these folks would be.”

To contribute to Hope Under the Tree, or to learn more, visit voascla.org/hope-under-the-tree.