MHY Family Services, formerly Mars Home for Youth, is seeking donations and gifts to support its holiday giving program.

Each year, the nonprofit supports more than 300 children with behavioral and social needs through a residential program and provides trauma-based treatment to more than 1,000 children and families in the community.

“This year, more than ever, we know that kids are struggling and facing challenges far beyond their years,” the organization said in a statement. “Your support throughout the holiday season is critically important, not only to fully meet our kids’ daily care needs, but also provide Christmas cheer.”

In a statement, Amy Smith, director of development and program advancement, said she was grateful to MHY’s community of friends for its help at this time of year.

“MHY is humbled by the outpouring of support for our children and families each Christmas season,” Smith wrote. “Holiday donations not only provide our boys and girls with joy, but can also provide them with gifts to help them develop new hobbies and coping skills to overcome trauma, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and depression.”

Gifts wanted

The center is looking for a variety of different items, but has listed “twin size comforters and sheets, big bath towels and washcloths, body wash and deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner and multicultural hair products” as critical needs.

Donors can also give monetary donations or gift cards directly to MHY Family Services. A wish list is posted on the MHY Family Services website.

“Gift cards help us a lot because they help us personalize,” said MHY Family Services development specialist Karen Harvey. “For the short term programs, those kids might be here for a month at a time. Knowing that some might be leaving close to Christmas, we’re still able to get personalized gifts for them with the gift cards.”

Harvey said that bedding is especially needed because children take their bedding with them when they leave treatment or a residential stay.

“That’s why we have such a big turnover of bedding and blankets and pillows,” she said. “It’s something we use a lot of. What we collect at this time of year lasts throughout the whole year.”

The list includes arts and crafts kits, toys, games and personal care items such as backpacks, water bottles and toiletries. Harvey said one item that specifically helps is noise-canceling headphones.

“That’s something they take with them,” she said. “A lot of times, for anxiety, or if they’re learning coping skills, that’s helpful.”

All donations should be received by Monday, and those looking to give can also shop online and ship gifts directly to MHY Family Services “Holiday Program” at 521 Route 228, Mars, PA 16046.

In the past, donations could be dropped off inside the foyer of the main building, but policies have been changed for safety.

Harvey said people interested in giving gifts can call ahead of time to schedule a pickup at the building.

“We’ve added some security to our buildings. Between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, we do like to try and collect all of the names of the donors, so we can acknowledge gifts,” Harvey said. “It’s helpful if we know when someone is coming, so we don’t have 20 people coming all at the same time.”