Manatee Players joins Manatee Children’s Services for a Merrier Christmas

The Manatee Players is once again joining with Manatee Children's Services to collect toys and gifts for local abused and neglected children and teens. Last year, MCS helped provide Christmas gifts for over 200 young people and this year the need is even greater.

New unwrapped toys and gift items can be dropped off at the Manatee Players, 102 Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton. Gift items for teens are especially needed and wrapping paper, tape and bows are also most welcome.

Manatee Children's Services (MCS) was founded in 1977 by a group of concerned Manatee County residents who identified an unmet community need, temporary housing for children who had been removed from unsafe homes. Since 1977, the organization has grown to 12 different programs and continues to provide the entire Suncoast Region with essential services to improve the quality of life for children in need.

MCS provides two types of programs: prevention and intervention. Prevention programs include: in-home, individualized parenting educational services, group parenting classes, kinship support services, self-esteem programs, court school, personal safety programs and sexual violence prevention programs. Intervention programs include: emergency shelter, residential group care and activities inherent in investigations of allegations of physical and sexual child abuse. MCS also provides trauma focused counseling to victims and their families.

Manatee Children's Services, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. MCS receives funding from Federal, State and County Government Agencies, along with private donations. MCS augments contract dollars and donations by sponsoring several major fundraising events, the proceeds of which benefit the entire agency. MCS is dedicated to programs and services that stop the cycle of child abuse.

More information on MCS is available at www.manateechildrensservices.com.

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