Christmas cheer for more families in need

Angel tree at Bryan helps local families in need
Angel tree at Bryan helps local families in need

by Lana Douglas
Staff Writer

Numerous opportunities exist for volunteers who wish to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to families who are in need of gifts, coats and other necessities.

There has been an increase of families who need help this Christmas season, said Margie Legg, executive assistant to the president at Bryan College.

The Rhea County Sheriff’s Department is accepting applications from families in need of help. After the sheriff’s department receives an application, someone is sent to the family’s home to assess their needs.

The sheriff’s department is accepting donations of toys, coats and cash on behalf of the families. Volunteers are needed to help pack and deliver gifts starting on Monday, Dec.14. Volunteers can check-in at the sheriff’s department.

In addition to donations, there is an Angel Tree at Wal-Mart where people are able to buy gifts for a child in the community. Gifts should be dropped off at the sheriff’s department.

Last year the sheriff’s department helped 1,200 children receive gifts, said Jeff Knight, special project coordinator.

If the sheriff’s department is unable to meet the family’s needs, they are referred to one of the partnering agencies in the community.

The Women’s Care Center is one of the partnering agencies that will help 25 families receive gifts and other necessities in time for Christmas.

Many people are not just asking for gifts, but for anything people are able to give, said Carol Holloway, client services director at the Women’s Care Center.

Holloway started taking applications for families last Monday, and by Wednesday she had already reached their limit of 25 families.

Each family will receive two or three gifts for each child. After the gifts are brought to the Women’s Care Center they will be packaged along with a Bible and a note about Christmas. It costs approximately $100 per family to “adopt” them.

“Elves”, as Holloway calls them, are also needed to help gather and wrap packages. Holloway is hoping to have gifts ready to give to families by Wednesday, Dec. 16.

If you are interested in “adopting” one of these families or becoming one of Holloway’s “elves”, contact the Women’s Care Center (423-775-0019).

“Any amount of time that volunteers can give is appreciated,” said Holloway. “We have been given a tremendous gift from God [that we can use to help people].”