{"id":67028,"date":"2025-12-01T21:51:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T21:51:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/67028\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T21:51:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T21:51:09","slug":"christmas-connection-now-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/67028\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Connection now open"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Christmas Connection – which provides gifts, food and necessities to hundreds of families in Tallahassee and the Big Bend -opened its doors Sunday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have 500 families,\u201d Christmas Connection Coordinator Pattie Malarney said. \u201cWe expect 250 or so will be adopted by the community. The other 250 will be shopped for here in the warehouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BicyclesBicycles and tricycles line the warehouse floor at the Christmas Connection.(WCTV)<\/p>\n

The holiday drive is celebrating its 46th year. It\u2019s now open and accepting donations seven days a week at the Old Macy\u2019s at Governor\u2019s Square Mall. <\/p>\n

\u201cI continue to be amazed by how generous Tallahassee, Leon County and the surrounding area is,\u201d Malarney said. \u201cWe have a phenomenal community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Monday, a steady stream of people stopped by to drop off donations. <\/p>\n

\"ToysToys like these baby dolls are starting to fill tables at the Christmas Connection warehouse.(WCTV)<\/p>\n

Nicole Kobes and her mom showed up to volunteer. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think the holidays feel so much more full if you\u2019re able to give to people and have the time, so even if you don\u2019t have the resources to donate, you can always volunteer,\u201d Kobes said. <\/p>\n

The Christmas Connection <\/a>helps 500 families in seven counties: Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison and this year, it has also added Taylor County. <\/p>\n

The Christmas Connection, which is administered by Catholic Charities and run by a group of volunteers, sets up shop in a donated space, shares the wish lists of families who need holiday help and then invites the community to adopt families or make donations. <\/p>\n

Families are recommended by social workers across the region who document needs at schools, senior centers, and a variety of nearly three dozen social service agencies. <\/p>\n

\"BlanketsBlankets are always in demand at the Christmas Connection.(WCTV)<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you look at a referral form and a family is asking for a blanket, or food or toiletries, you know they\u2019re hurting,\u201d Malarney said, \u201cbut we also want to provide those children with children\u2019s toys and something fun for the family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DonatedDonated toys like these action figures are starting to fill tables at the Christmas Connection warehouse.(WCTV)<\/p>\n

The Christmas Connection is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. People can drop off donations at the site or purchase and send items on its Amazon wish list. <\/a><\/p>\n

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