Virginia’s House Presents Holiday Programs or Children, Families
With Thanksgiving approaching and Christmas just around the corner, Virginia’s House and Dr. Goodall’s House are entering their busiest— and most urgent—season of the year. The nonprofit, which serves abused, neglected, and traumatized children across Young, Stephens, and Throckmorton counties, is preparing holiday baskets, running its Toys for Joys program, and ramping up outreach as more families turn to the organization for help amid shrinking social-service support.
Leading the effort this year is Executive Director Kaci Creel McKinzie, an Olney native who stepped into the role six months ago and has already begun a countywide awareness campaign.
“We really want people to understand who we are, how to utilize our services, and the needs that do exist for the kids we are serving,” Ms. McKinzie said. “Our holiday baskets and Toys for Joys program allow families to have a real holiday at home—with food, gifts, and dignity.”
Each year, Virginia’s House delivers holiday food baskets—complete with a turkey, sides, and staples—to every family it serves. Last year, the nonprofit delivered around 40 baskets, and Ms. McKinzie expects the number to grow.
The organization’s Toys for Joys program is equally important, providing new, wrapped gifts to children of all ages, with families invited to “shop” the holiday room and have presents wrapped on-site.
The biggest ongoing challenge is providing gifts for teens, she said.
“Toys for our teenagers are the most challenging,” Ms. McKinzie said. Gift cards, hygiene kits, clothing, and craft or hobby items are among the most helpful donations.
The organization also participates in National Night Out, trunk-or-treat events, and holiday community programs—requiring candy, small toys, and other donated items.
With ongoing pressure on SNAP food-assistance programs, Ms. McKinzie said more families are seeking support this year. Virginia’s House works with the Graham Crisis Center to supplement its holiday baskets and to meet emergency food needs.
“Our partners help us put together baskets and support families with food items,” she said. “The holidays are a big time of need.”
A Community Reception to Raise Awareness The holiday campaign was the centerpiece of a recent reception hosted by Mayor Rue Rogers and his wife, Anna Rogers, herself a board member for Virginia’s House, at their Olney home. Local business owners, civic leaders, and educators attended to learn more about the organization’s programs and how Olney residents can get involved.
Anna Rogers said the event was meant to help the community understand the breadth of support Virginia’s House provides.
“We are just raising awareness about Virginia’s House and what it does for the children in our community,” she said. “Just providing resources to families and kids in need—that’s the most important mission.” Among the organization’s programs, the homegrown mentor program stands out as a unique, locally developed initiative. Mentors currently serve children in Olney, Graham, Newcastle, and Breckenridge schools.
The goal isn’t tutoring, Anna Rogers said, but connection.
“It’s just being a consistent adult in a child’s life,” she said. “Some mentors play catch in the front yard of the school. I go blow bubbles and do crafts on the playground. It’s about showing up.”
How to Help This Holiday Season
Virginia’s House is asking for: Gift cards and teen-appropriate presents New toys for all ages Candy and small items for holiday outreach events Monetary donations Volunteers to serve as mentors, CASA advocates, or event helpers Food items or gift cards for holiday baskets Residents can donate, volunteer, or request services by visiting virginiashousetx. org or calling 940-549-9829.