Many people will be donating toys this holiday season, but social workers are asking you to consider donating more practical items, too.
More students in Seminole County are in need of necessary items to get by on a daily basis.
"I never pictured myself in this situation, especially at this time, with the holidays coming up," said a Seminole County mother, who asked not to be identified, and said she found herself with no job and nowhere to live. "It's hard to find a spot or get help, because everybody needs help. It's not just me."
Seminole County Public School officials said they have seen a 1 percent increase this year in students who need free or reduced lunch. That's nearly 700 more students needing that assistance than last year.
The school district's Families in Transition program works to supply what families need. This year, not many holiday donations have come in so far. A cabinet at the program's main office labeled "Holiday Gifts" remains empty.
"We always welcome the holiday toys for the children, but there are other things that families are needing right now that are our basic needs, like gas cards and food," said Beth Davalos, the school district's liaison for Families in Transition.
"When we're short on money, we have to spend all the money on places to stay," the mother we spoke with said. "So, probably gas cards, shampoo, conditioner, soap — personal hygiene items."
"This morning, a mother told me when she was talking with her daughter about what she would like for the holidays, she said, 'We don't need gifts; we want you to save your money so we can get a home,'" Davalos said.
A permanent home is also something the mother we spoke with is hoping she will have soon after she begins a job in early December.
Davalos said another way people can help is by donating food to a food pantry at their child's school. That food will be sent home with students to keep them from going hungry during the holidays.