The primary goal of Christmas Blessings at Goddard Place is to provide for the immediate and critical needs of local families as well as to deliver a message of hope, love and blessings through games, crafts, food, and a new toy for every youth that attends. Goddard Place recognizes that employment opportunities for families in rural areas are limited and that the holidays can create additional financial stress for many families. The season’s tradition of spending can be especially difficult for those who are unemployed or living paycheck to paycheck, and parents who wish to provide holiday joy for their children can often confuse wants with needs; for example, purchasing a new toy when what is needed is a new coat. While gifts and food make the holidays brighter for many families, rent, utility bills, flu season and transportation needs continue throughout the year. At Christmas Blessings, we address both the wants and needs of families in a way that will last longer than the holiday season. Each child receives a special toy, and family bags are filled with personal items for each adult as well as gifts which promote family togetherness such as soup and cookie mixes, books, board games, and movie passes.