Love INC of the Lakes Region helps families in need

LACONIA — Love INC of the Lakes Region is hosting its sixth annual Christmas Blessing Project on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Living Hope of Lakeport, and volunteers are welcome.

Love INC has been providing support to hundreds of families in need since February 2017 and has offered support at Christmas in ever-growing numbers since then. Stephany Cameron, who initiated and oversees the project, has seen a 50% increase in the number of families seeking assistance this year, bringing the expected number of children served to around 150 for Christmas this year.

The Christmas Blessing Project offers more than just gifts, however. Families are invited to a full afternoon of song, drama, food, crafts and free family portraits provided by a local professional photographer.

Volunteers welcome families and come alongside, providing friendly support as parents purchase gift vouchers. One hundred dollar gift vouchers per child are offered to parents at a cost of $10 for every child under age 18. Parents then set a shopping appointment for the following weekend, at which they are assisted by volunteer personal shoppers to complete all their Christmas shopping at the local Walmart. Often this provides unique support for single moms and creates meaningful connections for families to know they are not alone. Additional resources are also offered to families for parenting, budgeting, recovery supports, vehicle maintenance and other practical issues facing families today.

You can help by sponsoring a child at $100 or perhaps sponsoring an entire family. For more information, call 603-366-1525 or visit loveinclr.org.