It comes as news to no one this has been a tough economic year. For families of all incomes, fears of losing jobs or dealing with pay cuts can mean a lean holiday season.
Children will see the commercials for the latest this and the newest that and, naturally, will fill out their wish lists with many items. And parents will do what they can, but the economic reality will mean a dismal Christmas for many.
Area organizations will try to be sure everyone enjoys the holidays.
The Salvation Army will kick off its annual Red Kettle campaign soon, and the local chapter also will serve as the collection site for a winter coat drive and the Toys for Tots effort.
Another group, Project Success of Vermilion County, also reaches out to children in need. They try to help those other agencies, for whatever reason, can’t get to. The effort collects warm winter clothes first. If there are enough resources, they also will provide a toy or two as well.
This year’s Project Success Wish List appears elsewhere in today’s Commercial-News. The list contains the needs of 47 children, 20 of whom need shoes for the winter.
Local organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Envirox already volunteered to help meet the needs of more than 50 children.
Providing warm clothes, shoes, coats and gloves for children not only will keep them safe during the cold winter ahead, it will erase a source of stress for their parents as well.
For information about Project Success, contact Kimberly David at 882-2580 or kdavid@vcprojectsuccess.org.
No child should go through the holidays without a special gift of some kind.
When given the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots or Project Success, don’t hesitate to give.
Our area carries a well-deserved reputation of generosity — even when times are tough. Give what you can to be sure the holidays will be happy for everyone.
