Katy Non-Profit Seeks Easter Basket Drive Donations as Local Need Grows

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

February 27, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

Local non-profit Katy Christian Ministries needs help filling their Operation Easter drive for 400 registered children. The 6th annual drive continues to grow each year as the need for Katy children increases.

Photos courtesy of KCM

Since it’s inception, Katy Christian Ministries Easter Drive has grown from 89 children to 400. The non-profit is currently excepting donations and need them by March 10, 2024.

“These are children from families that are already clients of KCM Social Services and Crisis Center, ranging from 0-11 years old,” says Katy Christian Ministries Executive Director Deysi Crespo. “All families are working closely with our Case Managers and Advocates, validating the need in their households.”

Katy families can help those in need by either donating requested items or making monetary donations online.The monetary donations will be used to help build Easter baskets.

Requested items include:

• Peeps

• Chocolate Bunnies 

• Small plush animals (bunnies preferred)

• Welch’s fruit snacks

• Jelly bean candies

• Bubbles 

• Sidewalk Chalk

• Plastic fillable Easter eggs 

 Email KCM for drop off instructions and further information at SSprograms@ktcm.org.

 “In 2023, KCM Social Services assisted 23,000 households for an array of services ranging from financial assistance (rent/mortgage/utilities), case management, financial coaching, budgeting, food assistance and other basic unmet needs,” explains Crespo. “This is an increase of 7,000 households from 2022.”

This year, they are noticing a spike in food assistance by new families coming in for support, followed by rent assistance.

“We are seeing more families coming in with eviction notices, which is heart wrenching because we know the need is great as our community experiences growth in population,” says Crespo.

Domestic Violence and Food Insecurity Continue to Rise

In 2023, the Crisis Center also noticed an increase of 55 victims of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse seeking crisis intervention and counseling compared to 2022. In 2022, the Crisis Center served 3,137 victims whereas in 2023, they helped 3,192 victims.

The Food Pantry continues to address food insecurity, providing food to 7,000 families in the Katy community as they continue to work and make sure no Katy family goes hungry.

Learn more about Katy Christian Ministries and their programs online.

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