GLASGOW, Ky. — For children in foster care or being raised by relatives, the holidays can bring added challenges for the families caring for them.

Nona’s Nest hopes to ease that burden through its annual Christmas at the Nest program, which provides holiday gifts for children and allows their caregivers to shop at no cost.

Jini Payne, who oversees the local nonprofit, said 200 children participated last year, each receiving about $200 worth of gifts.

The organization anticipates a similar need this year, putting its fundraising goal at approximately $40,000 through a combination of monetary donations and donated items.

“Our need this year is to either have Christmas funded or donated,” Payne said.

During the week of Dec. 5, volunteers will gather in the sanctuary at Immanuel Baptist Church to sort donated items and arrange the shopping area. Families will then have an opportunity to select gifts for their children that Saturday.

The program serves families involved in foster care and kinship care, including grandparents and other relatives raising children. Some families are identified through Nona’s Nest's existing work, while others may be added as needs arise.

Organizing the event requires considerable planning, but this year’s fundraising timeline has been tighter than usual. Payne typically begins seeking donations much earlier in the year, hoping to have a better estimate of the number of children needing assistance by late October.

“Every year, I have been a little panicked about whether we were gonna be able to pull it off, and always, something amazing has happened,” she said. “I am trusting that something amazing will happen.”

Those looking to help can purchase items through the organization’s Amazon wish list or make monetary donations through Venmo (@nonasnest) or in person at Nona’s Nest, located at 104 Western Hills Rd.

Volunteers are also needed to help sort gifts and oversee the shopping event. Those interested can contact Payne at 270-791-3162 or nonasnestglasgow@gmail.com.

Despite the shortened timeline, Payne said she remains hopeful the community will help make the event possible.

“God has always made sure that we were able to have this event,” she said.

A link to sign-up for support remains available online. Click here.