Capital Campaign

In the 35 years since the Council for Children was incorporated, the organization has positively impacted thousands of children and families, working out of 2 small rooms donated by the city of Attleboro, ironically on the first floor of an elderly housing complex. In particular, Christmas is for Kids has been able to continue to fulfill wishes as well as grow in both the number of children being helped and the number of volunteers who join the process each year. As the program grew, the need for more space became paramount in order to collect, sort and stage large bags for 1000 children. Through the years, thanks to several business owners, a service group and the city, space has been donated. However, without permanent space (approximately 10,000 square feet is needed to allow for enough room for inventory, sorting and staging gifts and some administrative space for phones and writing thank you notes) the organization has needed to look for space quite often. Magically, they have managed to morph a Masonic hall, a closed restaurant, a closed bank, a closed church, an old Balfour factory, a newly renovated building and most recently an old school building into Santa’s workshop.

The lack of permanent space hasn’t stopped the Council’s board members from reaching out to the community and growing their programs while taking a leadership role in collaborating with several other local organizations and agencies who also serve the same population. This collaboration has lead to a community conversation about the need for permanent space, currently called a “Self-Sufficiency Center.” Even with all of the success that the Council can itemize, as the 2017 Strategic Plan was written, looking ahead at what still needs to be done shines a bright light on the limitations of an organization that is essentially nomadic. Having roots will allow the Council to do more toward their mission, such as adding more robust classes for returning Christmas is for Kids parents, additional food drives for children who are in jeopardy of going hungry, and a 1-stop option to learn more about job searches, fuel assistance, food stamps, gently used clothing and so much more to help parents be independent.

THE SOLUTION

Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children proposes to invest in a Self-Sufficiency Center that will provide a clean, safe, and efficient home to the programs for the children and families we serve. We are conducting a community-wide Capital Campaign to raise the needed funds. In order to continue our mission and provide the essential services we offer, Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children must invest in a Self-Sufficiency Center to accommodate the continually increasing needs of the communities we serve. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to help us achieve our goal.