Old Navy supports Methodist Children’s Home families during the holidays

Kelly Deramee of Old Navy (left) presented four sacks of clothing
to Toccara who is served through MCH Family Outreach in Waco. 

The holiday season can be a particularly stressful time for families who are dealing with challenging circumstances in their lives, whether financial or emotional. Toccara, a mother of five children ranging in age from 5 to 18, was worried about providing for her children during this time of year.

Recently divorced and experiencing financial difficulties, she reached out to MCH Family Outreach in Waco. Waco case manager Maegan Bennight began working with Toccara in early November 2017 to identify her goals and develop strategies to reach those goals.

During a staff meeting, Bennight learned that Old Navy wished to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas meals as well as clothing for a family served through MCH Family Outreach. Toccara was identified as a prime candidate for this donation.

Kelly Deramee, general manager of the Old Navy store in Waco, learned about MCH from one of her leaders at the company when she joined in 2016. Old Navy also donated baby and toddler clothing for several children of MCH graduates who are currently served through Transition Services.

“Old Navy and Gap, Inc., strive to give back to the communities we live and work in,” Deramee said. “We've partnered with MCH on a few other occasions since I've joined the brand and have discovered that our missions align. Old Navy and Gap, Inc., stores across the country adopt families every year to provide Christmas gifts. We are so glad we reached out to MCH for our family this year.”

When Toccara learned she was chosen for the donation, she was extremely grateful for the opportunity for her family.  She received several shopping bags full of clothing specially picked out for her children on Dec. 21, just in time for Christmas.

“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “There are other places that will help you (with clothes) but no one asks you what you child is interested in or needs. I’m overwhelmed and overjoyed. I’m at a loss for words.”

Toccara said she is working to make a “fresh start” for her family and is thankful for the support she is receiving through MCH Family Outreach.

“It has been a struggle but I am grateful for this program,” Toccara said. “There’s still more progress to make, but I see that I’m not where I used to be. I’m grateful, I really am. It’s been hard but it won’t be like this forever.”

Bennight will continue working with Toccara and said she has enjoyed getting to know her.

“She has been an absolute pleasure to work with,” Bennight said. “She has some great skills, an unrelenting drive and a contagious optimism that are all working together in her favor. I have no doubt that good things are coming for her and her family.”

Old Navy also donated clothing to some of the young children
of previous MCH graduates served through Transition Services.