Catie Moore
Many people are familiar with the true meaning of Christmas – “To give up one’s very self – to think of only others – how to bring happiness to others.” That idea is not only preached, but practiced by a few key Central Florida residents who go above and beyond to provide a joyous Christmas for children at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.
Megan Judd, Liz McCausland, and Deb Moskowitz were each introduced to Devereux through friends more than 15 years ago. Back then, each of them fulfilled Christmas wish lists for a single foster child. As each of them have achieved professional success and their circles of influence have expanded, their passion for Devereux has grown exponentially and their dedication to Devereux’s Holiday Cheer initiative has evolved just the same!
Today, Judd, McCausland and Moskowitz each champion holiday gift drives, which continue to benefit the children of Devereux. Through their generous community of personal and professional connections, coupled with tremendous passion for the children served, their combined efforts now fulfill holiday wish lists for over 100 children served through Devereux Florida‘s Programs. Along with this generosity, their living rooms are temporarily transformed into a holiday gift distribution site on behalf of Devereux, and they never complain as each of their goals remain the same; simply to provide each child in need a happy Christmas.
Brevard county residents Mike and Becky Crews have also shown tremendous dedication to the children at Devereux Florida. The Crews’ have spent years donating, volunteering, and providing various support to children in need during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve for the past twenty years, the couple visits Devereux Florida’s Viera Campus. Dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, they read “T’was the Night Before Christmas” and share stockings full of gifts for the children currently in care.
“We are beyond grateful for the support our community shows for the children in our care, especially during the holidays. The loyalty and dedication that Liz, Megan and Deb have shown year-after-year is inspiring to all of us. Come October, if they don’t hear from us, they start hunting us down for our children’s wish lists!” Lindsey Phillips, Devereux’s Director of External Affairs said. “And the Crew’s Christmas Eve visit to our Viera Campus is the time honored tradition that marks the close to our annual Holiday Cheer campaign at Devereux. When I receive confirmation that Mr. and Mrs. Claus have arrived on campus, that really puts the final bow on another successful holiday season, thanks to the help of many good people.”
Devereux is one of Florida’s most comprehensive nonprofit behavioral healthcare organizations serving children with mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and emotional challenges. If you are interested in donating to Devereux please click here and see how you can serve as a Holiday Cheer Ambassador, a Holiday Helper, or get involved in the New Year.
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