COVID has made 2020 a tough year for everyone, but some more than others. All too many people lost their jobs or were laid off for indefinite amounts of time over the last eight months. Therefore, more families than ever are in need of help to make Christmas merry and bright this year. The Share Christmas committee is hoping, if you can, you will help make that possible.
For more than 50 years, Share Christmas volunteers have been collecting food to put on the holiday tables of local families in need of help and toys under the tree for their young children….but none of this would be possible without the generous businesses and community members who continually make it possible with their donations of cash and supplies.
Last year, Share Christmas served more than 120 families in the Eagle Grove area. They are anticipating that need to be much greater this year and are hoping to surpass their goal last year of $10,000 to fulfill all the need. While non-perishable food and hygiene products are always welcomed and encouraged, you may recall that two years ago the Share Christmas program no longer handed out boxes of pre-determined food and supplies. Instead, they use the extra cash donations to purchase gift certificates to Fareway which are then handed out to the pre-qualified families in need instead of boxes of food. The reasoning behind this is that they feel this allows families to purchase the food they like and will eat, and what better time to allow them that opportunity than during the holiday season.
“It’s a gift, so they can buy whatever they want as long as it’s food,” said Share Christmas volunteer Barb Johnston when the program was first changed.
Fellow volunteer Marcella Johnson added, “If they want to treat their family a little special, that’s okay.”
Also last year, more than 100 children were anonymously adopted by area community members from the “adoption tree” at the Eagle Grove Memorial Library. Sadly, this will not be possible this year due to the library being closed in response to COVID. However, there is a silver lining. An anonymous donor has stepped up and graciously volunteered to purchase all the toys for all the children who are eight years old and younger. A true Christmas blessing to the Share Christmas program, which is coordinated by volunteers of the local Food Pantry. They remind us that this program cannot be successful without your help. Donations may be dropped off between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. All donations should be taken or mailed to the Food Pantry at 510 S. Jackson Ave before Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Although you’ll be doing the giving, the best part is, you’ll also receive something in return – that warm feeling that comes from doing a good deed. Research has proven that doing something for someone else actually makes a person feel happier. And after all – the spirit of giving – isn’t that what Christmas is all about?!
Distribution of the Share Christmas Fareway gift certificates and toys for the children will be from 8:30 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Service Center.
For questions, please contact
Marcella Johnson ~ 448 – 3743
Barb Johnston ~ 448-3291
Are you in need of assistance?
If you or someone you know could use a little extra help this holiday season, whether it be food, toys, or both, please fill out the form below. You may also pick up an application at at Upper Des Moines Opportunity or at the Food Pantry. Forms are due no later than Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Please make sure you include a legible, current home/cell phone number in case you need to be contacted with questions.
