CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Ceyeissha McKim is a volunteer at ForKids in Chesapeake, a nonprofit that helps families in need with shelter, food, and other necessities, year-round.
Right now, she’s helping give out food baskets to families who are in the program but she and the other ForKids staff are gearing up for the annual Holiday helpers toy drive, sponsored by News 3.
On 3
News 3's 2024 Holiday Helpers campaign collecting donations for families in need
“Some of the mothers and fathers in the shelter may they might feel ashamed to ask for help but they are definitely people who listen who understand who are there for you,” said McKim.
Last year, they collected toys for 1,100 local kids, and they’re hoping to do the same this year.
“The holiday season can be very stressful for families and programs like holiday helpers allows us to provide toys to children so they can open those and have that magical holiday moment,” said Mary Crosby with For Kids.
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ForKids has a special place in McKim's heart, and it's why she volunteers hundreds of hours a year to the nonprofit.
“During Covid, I became homeless with me and my three kids," McKim said. "ForKids was actually a big help with me and my family."
ForKids secured a home for Ceyeissha and her children — and now, she is paying it forward.
“I love doing what I do," McKim said. "I get to see their smiling faces and it's worth it."
Watch: How to stay safe while putting up your holiday lights
Helping children and families have a brighter holiday is what makes ForKids and Holiday Helpers positively Hampton Roads.
If you'd like to help, just drop off an unwrapped toy to any of these locations before December 13:
- Any Southern Bank locations
- All Cinema Cafe locations
- Shops at Hilltop: Gerald's Ice Cream, California Closets, and Serotonin Centers
