10/30/09 Lucy's Hearth Prepares for its 25th Holiday Season   The staff at Lucy’s Hearth knows a little bit about holiday spirit. Each year they assist over 100 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  This year will be more of a challenge, they predict. “We started getting phone calls for help back in September. More people need assistance to make it through the holidays, especially at Christmas time because of the economy,” reports Jennifer Barrera, Lucy’s Hearth’s program director.    Lucy’s Hearth is the Newport County homeless shelter for women and their children.  It recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Assistance is provided for residents and former residents of the shelter and for others in need.  This year Lucy’s is heading a coalition of Aquidneck Island agencies working to prevent homelessness and rapidly re-house families losing their homes due to foreclosures and other issues.  Food is a problem for such families. Lucy’s Hearth accepts non-perishable food and turkey vouchers for Thanksgiving.  “Lucy’s Hearth has limited freezer storage for turkeys at Thanksgiving. Vouchers are the easiest way for us to ensure that each family receives what they need for their meal,” says Barrera. For Christmas, the shelter is seeking gift cards from local stores in small denominations ($10 to $50), and companies and individuals to “adopt” families.  “We have so many little children here that still believe in Santa, and it’s difficult for us to hide presents from them in such a small building. Gift cards make Christmas easier because of their size and it also gives the moms the opportunity to go out shopping for their children and create traditions for their families.” If you can help, contact Lucy’s Hearth at 401-847-2021.  Thanksgiving food and turkey vouchers can be delivered to the shelter November 16, 17 and 18 or should be mailed before then to Lucy’s Hearth, 913 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842.   Lucy’s will be receiving all Christmas donations on December 16, 17, and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, December 19  from 9 a.m. to noon, or donations should be mailed before those dates.  Lucy’s Hearth requests that donors make an appointment to deliver Christmas donations.  Lucy’s Hearth will not be accepting donations of used clothing and household items during the months of November and December so they can focus on their Thanksgiving and Christmas food drive. Former resident of the shelter who may be in need of help during the holidays should contact Lucy’s Hearth as soon as possible. Lucy’s Hearth is an affiliate of Family Service of RI.   (end)