Things may have gotten back to a little bit more “normal” this year after facing COVID in 2020, but there are still many families feeling the effects of the pandemic. These families will most likely need a little assistance to make the holidays merry and bright.
The Share Christmas committee of Eagle Grove estimates that nearly 150 families will ask the program for assistance with food and gifts this year. For more than 50 years, Share Christmas volunteers have been offering assistance….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 and collected an estimated $10,000 to fulfill all the needs. They are anticipating the monetary needs to be even greater this year with the increasing cost of groceries.
While non-perishable food and hygiene products are always welcomed and encouraged, you may recall that three years ago the Share Christmas program no longer handed out boxes of predetermined 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.”
In addition, each year the Share Christmas program collects toy donations to be distributed to families who need something to put under the tree for their little boy/girl.
The Share Christmas program, which is coordinated by volunteers of the local Food Pantry, reminds 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. 24.
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. 11 at the Service Center. Please bring along the card you are mailed to confirm receipt of donations.
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 Upper Des Moines Opportunity, the Eagle Grove Memorial Library, or at the Food Pantry. Forms are due no later than Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Please make sure you include a legible, current home/cell phone number in case you need to be contacted with questions.
