ST. LOUIS — A local nonprofit that raised over $20,000 last year for children to have gifts under the tree on Christmas day is back at it again.
The Buchanan Foundation located in the Baden Neighborhood has continued to help people meet basic needs. The organization partners with Toys for Tots annually during Christmastime but the toys will be much less than the community needs.
The organization's founder, Rosemary Ray, has helped feed those without homes. She also helps people dealing with substance abuse get checked into rehabilitation centers. But during this time of year, her attention is laser-focused on children.
She's asking for the public's help to make Christmas special for every child who comes to her front door. According to Ray, 250 toys from Toys for Tots will not be enough for the community she serves.
Wish list
- Toys
- Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- Gloves
- Coats
Although children want toys, many of them need clothes. Last year's outpour was beautiful and unexpected, Ray said.
"The outpour was humongous, and so was my outcry," Ray said about last year's donations. "We need help because there are a lot of children who are underserved, who's gonna be looking for a toy this year."
Brittany Rowan Sullivan became a key supporter of Ray's during last year's Christmas donation drive. At that time, Sullivan was a new mother with a heart willing to help. Ray and Sullivan have kept in touch and plan to team up for donations again this year.
"I asked Brittany to relax this year," Ray said about Sullivan, who just had another baby prematurely." She has insisted on running her campaign again this year, after all she has endured."
Despite not having left the NICU at the hospital in 93 days, Sullivan is still ramping up to help the Buchanan Foundation. Her social media campaign for the organization will start on Nov. 30.
Last year, Ray could hardly move through her home, which also doubles as the headquarters for the Buchanan Foundation.
Ray said she uses only 15% of her home, and the rest is for her community's benefit. Right now, Ray is renovating her basement to allow the unhoused to wash clothes, dine in, job search, and cook.
Gently used and new toys can be donated from now until Dec. 10:
- The Buchanan Foundation Inc. - 8824 North Broadway St. Louis, Missouri 63147
Monetary donations are also accepted. Those wishing to contribute can donate to Commerce Bank under the title The Buchanan Foundation Inc.
For more information, call the Buchanan Foundation Inc. at (314) 388-9984.
