ROCK ISLAND, Illinois - More than 100 at-risk girls will have Christmas brought to them in a unique way.
For the fourth year in a row, Ganson's Neighborhood Bakery & Café has partnered with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois to bring a holiday celebration to girls who otherwise may not have the opportunity.
The Christmas program will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014.
"Every child deserves to have Christmas," said Senior Membership Outreach Manager at Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Missy Sweeney.
Sweeney works with area schools to determine which girls qualify as the most at-risk and invites them to attend the annual Christmas celebration with Santa, gifts, dinner and cookie-decorating.
"Some of these girls get forgotten about, and we want to make sure they know they're worthy to have an unforgettable Christmas," said Sweeney.
Organizers hope each girl can unwrap a Christmas gift and feel special.
"It makes me teary-eyed just thinking about all the smiles on the girls' faces when they get a present just for them," said Sweeney.
New, unwrapped gifts for girls in grades K-5 can be dropped off before Sunday, November 23, at the Girl Scouts Program Center located at 2011 Second Ave. in Rock Island, or at Ganson's Neighborhood Bakery & Café also in Rock Island.
Financial contributions are also accepted to offset costs for the annual Christmas program which is free for all girls who attend.
"This is a great opportunity for the community to make a difference in the lives of more than 100 girls who deserve to know they're cared about this holiday season," said Sweeney.
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