Donations of holiday cheer to Austin's House needed

Staff Reports

Austin's House group foster home in Douglas County is in need of donations of holiday cheer. Consider helping a child in need by donating gift cards for clothes, toys or recreation.

Suggested stores for gift cards are Target, Walmart, Borders, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, Amazon.com, Old Navy or Michael's. Gift cards may be donated for children's entertainment such as to movie theaters, local restaurants, bowling, the Douglas County Swim Center and for video rentals.

Contact Austin's House to supply food for holiday meals or to donate to a wish list of gifts to be enjoyed by all of the children. Some items needed are a basic sewing machine, a large George Foreman kitchen grill, large waffle maker and Wii games.

Austin's House is a group foster home in Douglas County that provides services and care for up to 10 children at a time between the ages of birth and 17. The children are referrals from child protective services, court referrals, homeless children and other children in crisis that are in need of shelter. Austin's House provides the basic living necessities including proper nutrition, hygiene, rest, nurturing, recreation, companionship and education.

The annual budget to operate Austin's House exceeds $450,000 so continued community support is needed. Information about Austin's House at 267-6711 or www.austinshouse.org