BOSTON —Action for Boston Community Development is reaching out to families, organizations and companies who want to put smiles on children’s faces across Boston neighborhoods and surrounding towns this holiday season.
ABCD has received more than 7,000 requests for gifts for children in need and has just 1,000 toys on hand or promised by generous individuals and companies.
Almost 28,000 Boston children are living in poverty — that’s 26 percent of all children in Boston who live in households below the poverty level of $25,100 in annual income for a family of four, ABCD said.
“Having gifts for their children in the holiday season is about more than the actual presents,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. “It’s about hope for the future. When parents see their kids happy in this season, it gives them hope for the year ahead. People are struggling to pay rent, heat their homes, put food on the table. There’s often no extra dollars for holiday shopping. ABCD tries to fill the gap, but we need your help!” WATCH