My Little Stocking Campaign Looks to Community to Donate Presents and Stockings to 700 Special Needs Children
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
By: Tara Uffelman

(Scottsdale, AZ)

Devereux Arizona, a non-profit organization that cares for children and families with behavioral health and social welfare needs, is asking the community to help provide hope and joy to hundreds of children this holiday season through "My Little Stocking" a campaign created to ensure every Devereux child in out-of-home placement can experience the delight of opening presents on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or other holiday celebrations. Each year, Devereux, through the help and support of the Arizona community, provides handmade stockings filled with goodies and presents to children in Residential Treatment, Therapeutic and Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care, Group Care and Family-Based Shelter Care Devereux treatment programs that care for children that are displaced from their biological families. "Because the majority of children in Devereux Arizona's care come from abusive and neglectful homes, My Little Stocking provides holiday cheer and gifts that these children may have otherwise not received," said Stephen A. Vitali, Devereux Arizona's executive director. This year, Devereux Arizona is asking the community to help spread the joy of the holidays to 700 children ages four to 17. Volunteers are needed to donate handmade stockings that are at least 18 inches in length and stocking stuffers, including toys, candy and personal care items. Devereux is also asking for toy donations or financial contributions to ensure every child's holiday wish list is granted. Donations may be delivered to Devereux Arizona treatment centers around the state. For drop-off locations, wish lists or for more information on how to support My Little Stocking, please visit www.mylittlestocking.org or call Kelly Gonzales at 480-998-2920 Ext. 2105. About Devereux Arizona Devereux Arizona is a non-profit behavioral health and social welfare organization that cares for more than 10,000 individuals and families with special needs each year. Through programs like foster care, residential treatment, special education and counseling services, Devereux Arizona has been changing the lives of Arizona children, adults and families for more than 35 years. For more information about Devereux, its programs and the people it serves, please visit www.devereuxaz.org.