Donations needed for children's gifts
The Christmas holiday is a time of giving and receiving — particularly gifts for children.
In an effort to assist families who may be experiencing financial problems, numerous programs are available in the county.
Hillsboro
Hillsboro State Bank Angel Tree is available for those families who live in USD 410. Numerous gift tags remain at the bank for needy families. Gift tags list gift items and ages of children.
If people don't have time to shop for gifts, cash donations also are welcome.
Unwrapped gifts are to be turned in to the bank by Monday.
The angel tree will assist 25 families this year, a few more than in previous years.
Marion
Marion Community Christmas Angel Tree benefits families in USD 408 and USD 397. Deadlines have passed for this program with 35 families being served with gifts and 60 families with food.
Donations always are accepted, regardless of the time of year, and may be sent to Marion Chamber of Commerce at 203 N. Third, Marion.
Peabody
Peabody Association of Churches receives funds from the annual Christmas Eve service, community Thanksgiving service, and Good Friday service. Offerings from these services are used to purchase gifts and groceries.
As in other school districts, Peabody-Burns Elementary School students bring donations of personal hygiene items, laundry detergent, paper products, and cleaning supplies to school and fill boxes to be donated to the cause.
Florence
Donations for Community Christmas Angels are accepted at Cottonwood Valley Bank and Wilbur's Market, both at Florence.
The City of Florence will assist two local families with donations accepted at the city building at 511 Main, Florence. City clerk Janet Robinson said the deadline for donations is Dec. 20.
"We concentrate first on the kids and some years there has been enough to add groceries for a Christmas dinner," Robinson said. "We'll just see what comes in."
As in past years, Linda Britton, owner of Chuck Wagon Café, Florence, again will offer a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
"I just don't want anyone to be alone for Christmas," Britton said.
Goessel
For residents of USD 411, Goessel Ministerial Alliance Giving Tree benefits those in need.
Families still can sign up for assistance by calling Tabor Mennonite Church, at (620) 367-2318.
Even though all of the angel tags have been distributed, donors need to remember to return gifts by Dec. 21 to Crossroads Credit Union, Goessel. Cash donations also are accepted.
