Proteus, Inc. received an $11,000 grant from Variety, the Children’s Charity of Iowa, to support its annual holiday event, Presents from Proteus. The event provides gifts, food, and meaningful holiday experiences for children of farmworker and local families across the Des Moines metro area.
With Variety’s generous support, Presents from Proteus expanded its reach and deepened its impact for children and families experiencing poverty. Sixty-seven families and 199 children were welcomed to the Proteus office, where they received holiday gifts, food pantry items, hands-on crafts, and visits with a bilingual Santa Claus who spoke with children in their native language. Variety also donated three newly built bicycles, which were awarded to children in need. One thirteen-year-old shared that he had always wanted a bike but had never owned one before.
The grant also provided each family with Hy-Vee gift cards, giving parents the freedom to purchase food that matched their children’s tastes, dietary needs, and cultural traditions. Families used the cards to buy fresh produce, meat, and comfort foods, often unavailable through standard food pantries, helping the holiday season feel more like home.
In partnership with Proteus, Inc., the nonprofit Happy Hearts & Hooves collected and donated artificial, pre-lit Christmas trees and decorations for families attending the event. In a Facebook post, Happy Hearts & Hooves shared that “every family deserves a Christmas tree.” Every family who requested one took home their own tree and decorations to enjoy for years to come.
“Because of Variety’s support, the impact of Presents from Proteus for Central Iowa’s children and families was deepened this year,” said Daniel Zinnel, CEO of Proteus, Inc. “More food reached each household, bikes were delivered to deserving children, and joyful holiday memories were created for nearly 200 children who otherwise may have gone without. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the meaningful difference it made during the holiday season.”
This holiday season, families faced fewer tradeoffs and experienced greater stability, while children enjoyed full tables, nourishment, and the comfort that comes when basic needs are met. With the support of Variety, the Children’s Charity of Iowa, the holidays were warmer, more joyful, and more meaningful for the families served.
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About Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, or living with special needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children in communities across Iowa.
For more information on Variety grants and programs, please visit varietyiowa.com.
About Proteus, Inc.
Proteus is a multi-state 501c3 non-profit organization that provides services to farmworkers in Iowa, Nebraska, and Indiana. The mission of Proteus is to provide agricultural workers and their families with affordable healthcare, education assistance, and job training. To learn more about Proteus, to make a donation, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit the Proteus, Inc. website: www.proteusinc.net or contact Emily Mendez at emilyme@proteusinc.net
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