With more than 750 children in Sunrise’s care every day, there are plenty of ways for individuals, businesses, churches and other groups to help through the holidays. It also is a great opportunity to introduce Sunrise’s mission and needs to others throughout the state.

Among the ways to help:

Christmas Sponsorship Program—Shop directly from a child’s Christmas wish list, or make a donation that will allow Sunrise staff to do the shopping for you. Complete wish lists can be fulfilled for just $60 to $150 depending on the child’s age.

Please call (800) 456.1386 or email kchristmas@sunrise.org to sign up or with any questions.

Gifts in honor or memory of someone special—Finding it difficult to shop for friends, family or co-workers? Give them a gift that truly makes a difference! Make a gift in honor or memory of someone special, and Sunrise will send a note to let them know you’re sponsoring a child in their honor.

Simply write in the memo section of your check, “In Memory of ” and the honoree’s name.

Christmas gatherings—Add some spice to your typical Christmas or holiday gathering by encouraging guests to bring gifts for the children at Sunrise. Gift cards, in particular, are extremely helpful, especially to stores such as Target, Wal-mart or other well-known retailers. Designate a time during your gathering to talk about the children, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.

Sunrise can provide donation forms for your guests that can be used for their tax records.

End-of-year gifts—For those who want to take advantage of a tax-deductible gift and do some good all year round, encourage them to make an end-of-year gift to Sunrise. Their donation is 100 percent tax-deductible, and the greatest benefit is to the children we serve, who will benefit year-round from this generosity.

Gifts can even be made online at www.sunrise.org.

Submitted by Christi Moffett, Sr. director of marketing at Sunrise Children’s Services.