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.
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.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
The Operation Christmas Child drive will take place once again in 2009, with the goal of collecting 1,800 gift-filled shoe boxes for delivery to kids in more than 100 countries. “[This] is a unique opportunity to do something as something as simple as packing a shoe box that will have a lasting impact on a child a world away,” said drop-off site coordinator Shari Kerr. The local collection site is Amazing Grace, 28544 Dupont Blvd., Unit 5, Millsboro. Call 800-479-4620 for dates and drop-off times.
GOOD FEET STORE
The Good Feet Store, in Millsboro, will once again hold its “Share Your Soles for Christmas” shoe drive for children. “We want to be able to ‘put wings on the feet’ of children in need for Christmas,” said co-owner Jean Sullivan. Shoe donations can be dropped off at Good Feet locations in Millsboro (28544 Dupont Blvd., Food Lion Shopping Center) and Dover (706B N. DuPont Hwy.). For more information, call 888-606-FEET.
MILITARY
SupportOurTroops.org allows users to choose from more than 90 different groups which send care packages to U.S. troops overseas. Visit the website, choose the group you wish to use and follow the listed instructions. “It is amazing to see the way people step up for the troops,” said Support Our Troops Chairman Martin Boire. For more information, visit supportourtroops.org.
FAMILIES CONNECTED
The Millsboro-based Families Connected has kicked off its annual "Spirit of Christmas" drive, seeking sponsors to adopt need children/families, either by purchasing gifts or making a monetary donation. For more information, call 302-934-1930.
CHEER
CHEER Nutrition Program officials will be undertaking “Operation Christmas CHEER 2009,” delivering a hot meal on Dec. 25 to seniors without family, providing nearly 300 meals, as well as distributing food baskets, pet food and Christmas gifts. To sign up to provide a meal or volunteer, call 302-845-6759.
LET US KNOW!
Do you know of a nonprofit or community organization putting together a holiday campaign, whether it’s gifts, food or otherwise. Email editor@sussexcountian.com, and we’ll add it to our online listings.
