The holiday season is here and for many of us it means putting together our gift giving list and hitting stores or websites to find the perfect gift for each person on that list. Unfortunately, for many families in the Tri-State, the holiday season means making tough decisions due to financial strains. Do you put food on the table and make sure the heat stays on? Or, do you make sure the kids have something to open Christmas morning? While the decision seems obvious to those of us who don't have to make it, and I imagine most families in that situation would choose the former over the latter, I also imagine the thought of letting your child down during the holidays is tough pill to swallow. Fortunately, the Dream Center in Evansville is giving the families they serve a chance to make that choice a little easier, but they need your help to do it.

The organization, who works with children and families in need to "help them connect to resources, solve problems, and navigate roadblocks on their way to career, college and life readiness," will host their first ever "Affordable Christmas" on Saturday, December 14th from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at their location across from Bosse Field. The goal of the event is to "empower under-resourced families and promote dignity by allowing them a unique shopping experience" by purchasing toys for $2.00 each, according to Dream Center Special Events/Administrative Coordinator, Rachel Trout.

In order for the families to purchase toys, there must be toys for them to purchase. That's where you come in. The Dream Center is currently accepting toy donations through December 11th at their office at 1516 North Main Street during regular business hours. The toys don't need to be big ticket items. Actually, the Dream Center is requesting you stay somewhere in the $10 to $25 range.

You can sign up to provide a toy through Eventbrite. That link also gives you the opportunity to make a monetary donation and let the Dream Center do the shopping for you.

If you're unsure about what the kids are into these days, the Dream Center has created the following wish lists on Amazon, giving you the chance to pick something and have it shipped directly to them from the comfort of your home.

The Dream Center is also accepting volunteers looking to lend a helping hand during the event if you'd like to be involved in that way as well.

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