OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Families in the Ocala area are invited to celebrate the holiday season at A Better Christmas Gathering, hosted by Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and supporting children. The festive event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
This free, Christmas-themed celebration will feature a Polar Express theme, complete with holiday crafts, food provided by local vendors, and Christmas gifts for every child in attendance. Parents and children alike can enjoy the festive activities while connecting with their community. Background-checked volunteers will also be on hand to ensure children have a safe and fun experience while parents engage in the event.
Better Together regularly organizes gatherings to bring parents together for support, community-building, and expert insights. December’s special holiday event will offer a family-friendly atmosphere for both parents and children to enjoy.
How to Participate
There is no cost to attend A Better Christmas Gathering, but registration is required. Families can sign up online at BetterTogetherUS.org/ChristmasGathering or by calling 239.470.2733.
Annual Toy Drive to Support Families
In addition to the Christmas gathering, Better Together is hosting its annual holiday toy drive to provide Christmas gifts to children in need. The organization is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for children aged 0-17. Donations can be dropped off at participating locations through Dec. 10. To find a list of donation sites, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/2024-Christmas-Toy-Drive.
About Better Together
Better Together helps families in crisis by providing the tools and support they need to avoid foster care, find employment, and address the root causes of their struggles. To date, the nonprofit has helped over 10,000 children stay out of foster care, with 98% of children served through their programs avoiding placement. The organization’s Better Jobs ministry has also helped nearly 40,000 individuals secure employment through church-based job fairs across 24 states.
Privately funded and volunteer driven, Better Together emphasizes dignity and empowerment, providing families with preventative alternatives to foster care through its Better Families program. The organization also supports economic stability through its Better Jobs program, offering job seekers coaching and guidance.
For more information about Better Together and its mission, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.