The giving season is upon us, and Stephen Center (stephencenter.org) invites the community to spread holiday cheer by donating new board games, clothes, gift cards and other small items to the Merry Mart.
The Merry Mart will provide Stephen Center clients the opportunity to shop for their children at no cost from donated items. Gifts for adults are also needed so everyone at Stephen Center can open a gift on Christmas morning.
“On any given day, about 250 people call Stephen Center home,” Executive Director Chris Knauf said. “We want each one of them to feel loved and appreciated, especially during the holidays. Donations to the Merry Mart will help parents provide gifts for their children and for the parents to receive a special surprise too.”
Stephen Center needs donations of new:
- Board Games
- Craft Kits for Children and Adults
- Travel Coffee Mugs
- Reusable Water Bottles
- $10 Gas Station Gift Cards
- Movie Theatre Gift Cards
- Baseballs, Basketballs, Footballs
- Hoodies/Sweatpants/Leggings, all sizes
- Costume Jewelry Sets
To participate, community members can drop-off items at Stephen Center’s Donation Dock (2723 Q St.) or shop at home and ship directly to Stephen Center using the Merry Mart Wish List at amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/5MVQX3A3968S. Donations are requested no later than Monday, December 13.
Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center serves the homeless, addicted and with mental health Challenges. The campus includes an emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment and permanent supportive housing for disabled and low-income individuals. In 2023, Stephen Center provided services to more than 1,200 men, women and children and over 200,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. Learn more at stephencenter.org.