As forks begin to hit empty plates on Thanksgiving, many a thought turns to the looming holiday shopping season. “What am I going to get for Mom? How many Christmas cards do I need this year?”
But long before Black Friday kicks into high gear, nonprofits and organizations throughout the county are asking an even more important question: “How can we do our best to help the needy this holiday season?”
Groups throughout the county, state and country are well into their holiday fundraising, collection and donation drives. If you’re looking to make a difference in a needy family’s season, here are just a few options to consider.
DELAWARE DOES MORE
Ocean Atlantic Sotheby's Int'l Realty is participating in the Delaware Does More Campaign along with the United Way and Food Bank of Delaware, with goals of 400,000 pounds of food and $100,000. Donations can be made at either Ocean Atlantic office (330 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth, or 778 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany). For more information, call 302-227-6767 or visit www.oasothebysrealty.com. Additionally, the Georgetown Public Library, W. Pine St., Georgetown, will be collecting donations for the Food Bank of Delaware during normal operating hours. For more information, call 302-856-7958.
COOKIES FOR PRISONERS
Church Women United, Prison Ministries of Delaware Inc. and Prison Fellowship Ministries are planning to send annual "cookie packs" to incarcerated men and women during the holiday season. Churches, organizations or individuals are asked to make homemade cookies to give prisoners a "taste of home" during the holiday season. For more information, and locations to bring cookies, call 302-697-8268.
KMART/CHEER 'GIVING TREE' PROGRAM
KMart of Rehoboth and CHEER have kicked off their annual "Giving Tree" campaign, benefiting mature adults throughout Sussex. Tags bearing the gender and age of adults, along with an item they would like for Christmas, are placed on Christmas trees near the front of Kmart, 4634 Highway One, Rehoboth. Shoppers may select one or more tags and purchase the gifts through Dec. 18. For more information, call 302-856-5187.
TOYS FOR TOTS
Each year, Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys during the fall and early winter, distributing the toys each in the communities where they are collected. In the Georgetown area, collection points are located at the Georgetown CHEER Center, Wilmington Trust (U.S. 113 branch), Walmart, Chardon Ltd. Jeweler and the Dollar General Store in the Georgetown Plaza. For more information, and added collection points, visit toysfortots.org.
