Sheridan House Makes Holidays Easier For Single Mothers

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DAVIE (CBSMiami) – A local, charitable organization that raises money for children and families surprised a group of single mothers last weekend with a shopping spree to help celebrate the holidays.

Christine McClain, a single Mother of four, walked out of the Sheridan House in Davie on Saturday morning with her hands and heart full.

"This is the best day of the year," McClain said with a big smile. "They offer a boutique to us every couple of months and we're allowed to pick a couple of items, but on this particular day we can fill as many bags as we would like. And as a single mom, it's pretty awesome."

Christine's family is just one of more than 190 that will have a Thanksgiving turkey and the trimmings on the table for free.

Sheridan House will also have a Christmas tree, lights and bags of clothes for the single mothers and their kids.

"Thanksgiving we bring all of our clothing over here, open it up like a boutique and they can take as much as they want," said Tiny Cipully, a volunteer at Sheridan House.

Since 1992, Sheridan House Family Ministries has partnered with local churches in South Florida to serve single moms.

Saturday's group of women took part in classes provided by the Sheridan House throughout the year.

The classes are on budgeting, parenting and employability.

"It's important because it gives them hope. We want to give them hope," said Dr. Bob Barnes, President of Sheridan House Family Ministries. "We want them to not lose hope, especially as we head into a Christmas reason where they can."

Over 60 volunteers helped to organize the event.

But single mother Sabrina Turner says it's the years of support and comfort that she is most grateful for.

"You have eased that pressure of me raising my kids as a single mom and I want to say thank you so much because you always been nice to me, you've encouraged me, you're never swayed me," said Turner. "You've just been that support system that I needed and I thank you. God bless Sheridan House Ministries."

Since 1968, Sheridan House has helped over one million families.