By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is offering four nights of child care in November and December to allow parents time to go Christmas shopping.

The event is titled Holly Jolly Nights of Shopping. The shopping nights will be 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays. The organization will take children six months and older. Registration will be limited to 15 children each night.

All families are welcome to register their children for the event. Registration is required by 5 p.m the Monday before the shopping night. That can be done by calling Ashley Hecker at 625-4202. There will be games and snacks offered.

Cost of participation in the event will be one donation per child of an unwrapped gift for one of Options’ clients or their children. This will include families in the Options’ shelter. Those not participating in Holly Jolly Nights of Shopping can also bring donations to Options at 2716 Plaza Ave., Hays, KS 67601.

Options will be working with Toys for Tots for gifts for young children, but could use help with donations for parents and teens. Hecker said gift cards can be good gifts for teens.

Other items that can be donated include wrapping paper, gift bags, bows/ribbons, children’s toys, nail polish, new make-up, sporting goods, bath and body items, candles, new blankets, sleep wear in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes, sweets, candy and popcorn, new board/card games, jewelry, home decor, dishes, cookware.

Monetary donations will also be accepted.

For families that have been shattered by domestic violence, the Christmas gifts can be very special, Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said.

“It is really healing for the parents,” Hecker said. “How do you say to your child that Santa is not coming this year. You add that with the stress on not being in your own home, or having no job or just getting a job and not knowing how you are going to get gifts for your children.”