Dear Friends,
 

Christmas has always been a special time here at New Beginnings: busy, joyful, and full of meaning for our staff, the folks living in our housing, and our wonderful community. It's a season of hope and of making room for one another, and that's what we try to do every day. Each of our homes hosts its own celebration, partly because no one room could hold us all, and partly because we love bringing neighbors together right where they live. We'd love for you to be part of it this year.
 

Noel Lodge Emergency Shelter

On Christmas Eve, we gather with our guests at Noel Lodge. We never know how many people will come through the door that night needing shelter, a little hope, and a whole lot of love, but we are ready to welcome them. After supper, we set out Christmas treats and goodies, sing carols together, and pass out gifts from under the Christmas tree. Gifts are usually gift cards for things folks need, meal cards, and personal items that are easy to carry and store. That evening of care helps families and individuals see that good things are still possible in their lives.

How you can help:

• Gift cards

• Personal gifts, such as:

  • For women: beauty items, small purses, or perfume

  • For men: cologne, wallets, or gift cards for haircuts

  • For children: small toys without a lot of moving parts

  • Warm winter wear for all: shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, and more
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The Center Transitional Housing

Our biggest celebration of the year happens at The Center on a Friday evening about a week before Christmas. We hold it a little early on purpose, so that the warmth of the season is already tucked into folks' hearts when Christmas Day arrives. Residents, staff, and our staff's families all gather together like one big family to share in the joy of the season. There's finger food, Christmas goodies, and alcohol-free holiday drinks. We sing carols, and Santa Claus and his elf stop by to hand out gifts to each resident and child. In years past, we've even been able to give a brand-new bike to every child living with us.

How you can help:​

• Gift cards

• Adopt a family

• Gifts parents can give their children

• A personal gift for each person at The Center

• Warm winter wear for all: shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, and more

 

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Fox Run Transitional & Permanent Supportive Housing

Fox Run is home to 20 apartments, and they're nearly always full. Sometime during the week before Christmas, we gather there for a cozy celebration. The community room at Fox Run is smaller than The Center's, which makes for a close-knit evening. We enjoy Christmas pastries and goodies (with some for residents to take home to their apartments), sing carols together, and Santa and his elf hand out personal gifts from under the Christmas tree.

How you can help:

• Gift cards

• Adopt a family

• Gifts parents can give their children

• A personal gift for each person

• Warm winter wear for all: coats, shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, and more

 

 

Want to lend a hand or learn more? Give us a call. We'd love to hear from you!
 

Noel Lodge Shelter: Kylee 620.314.8888

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The Center & Fox Run: Roxann 620.314.2227
 

Thank you for helping us share hope, warmth, and a little extra joy with our neighbors this holiday season. From all of us at New Beginnings, Merry Christmas!

With gratitude,
 

Shara

President & CEO, New Beginnings, Inc.