ST. LOUIS, MO – Saint Louis Crisis Nursery today announced that 515 families — a combined total of 1,600 children — benefitted from its annual Holiday Hearts and Holiday Help gift collection programs.

Subsidized by generous sponsors known as Holiday Angels, the programs helped cover many high priority needs and special wishes of low to no income families with children, birth to age 12. Typical donations included housing and utility assistance, household needs, diapers, food, shoes and clothing and, of course, toys.

Counselors from the Crisis Nursery’s crisis counseling and strengths-based intervention Family Empowerment Program (FEP) tasked parents with explaining how donations would positively impact their families.

"Parents enrolled in our Family Empowerment Program have worked hard to make a better life for their families," said DiAnne Mueller, Crisis Nursery CEO. "The additional support from our thoughtful sponsors was motivating, greatly appreciated and helped to keep many families strong, safe and secure."

Hundreds of individuals, families, businesses and community organizations pooled resources within their respective networks to satisfy the families’ wish lists. Many organized toy drives, special events and holiday celebrations solely to benefit the Crisis Nursery. There were even extra donations for Crisis Nursery’s Holiday Help program, which gifts smaller contributions to families from the community.

Said Mueller: "Friends of Crisis Nursery, including Shop ‘n Save, Roof One, 101 ESPN, Missouri American Water, and Billy Mayhall of Just Bill’s Place, were instrumental to our success. Their massive donations overflowed our offices and hearts. We publicly salute everyone who had a heart to give."

Crisis Nursery serves thousands of children and families annually at its five safe-havens and seven outreach centers. Wish List items are often needed for daily care, and can be donated seven days a week. Visit www.crisisnurserykids.org for a complete list.

For more information on Crisis Nursery programs and services, visit www.crisisnurserykids.org or call 314.292.5770. Parents in need of crisis or emergency intervention services can contact the 24-hour helpline at 314.768.3201; in St. Charles, call 636.947.0600.