NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) — It’s called ‘Filling the Gap’.
Building Resilience in Communities, Agape Travel and Tours, ARDX and Banister Nissan are joining forces to stuff an Agape charter bus with Christmas gifts for kids with incarcerated parents.
The companies are teaming up with Western Tidewater Regional Jail and Hampton Roads Regional Jail.
Based on the fact that these children’s parents can’t be with them during the holiday season, the group is collecting and delivering Christmas gifts to the kids.
Quniana Futrell with Building Resilience in Communities said the program is a way for the community to get involved and help a population of children who often feel forgotten.
This is her fourth year delivering gifts to these kids. “Their response was always so priceless. We’ve even had children to break down and cry. We want to try and fill that gap with letting them know even though your parent isn’t physically here they are thinking about you through this toy or item we will have,” said Futrell.
The inmates were required to submit information about their children's clothing and shoe size and also include their special interest.
Along with stuffing a bus, people can drop off new toys at Banister Nissan locations in Chesapeake and Norfolk.
Beverly Banister said they joined the effort to make sure they have a Merry Christmas.
“Our family loves to give. As it says in Luke 12:48, 'to whom much is given much is required.' We’ve been very blessed and we love to be able to bless others," said Banister.
Her hope is that a simple gift will show the kids whose parents are incarcerated that they are still loved.
If you’d like to drop off a new toy for the event, the "Filling the Gap" toy drive will take place Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ARDX office, 5800 Lake Wright Drive in Norfolk.