Children’s center accepting holiday gift donations

MIDDLETOWN — Many of Connecticut’s youth are not able to be with family during the holiday season to celebrate traditions and create cherished memories. The Solnit Children’s Center is the only publicly operated psychiatric facility for youth in the state, managed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

This year, Solnit served 182 youth from throughout Connecticut. The 74bed facility, with seven living units, treats youth ranging from 13 to 17 years of age and provides mental health treatment services and care for youth who are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. Solnit shares the holiday spirit with its youth in groups and activities and encourage the spirit of giving to others. In the late fall, staff members ask youth to fill out a wish list of something special they would like for the holidays.

Past donors have participated in the following ways: Arrange a company holiday gift drive for youth 1317; adopt a youth (provide items for a youth from their wish list); or adopt a unit/cottage (provide items to 7 to 10 youths residing in one cottage).

Some restrictions apply and not all gifts can be accepted. “For your convenience we can provide a list of suggested donations and gift cards. Monetary donations are also welcome and will enable us to fulfill their wishes this holiday season,” according to the statement.

For more information regarding donations, contact Elaine Jackson 8607044386/ Elaine.Jackson@ct.gov; Margery Reynolds 8607044091/Margery.Reynolds@ct.gov; or Rachel Correll at 8607044160 or Rachel.Correll@ct.gov. Checks should be made out to Patient Trustee Fund and mailed directly to the facility at 915 River Road, Middletown, CT 06457, to the attention of the Business Office.