Application deadlines near

By Sam Waller

Deadlines are creeping closer for those looking to contribute to or benefit from local holiday programs.

The application deadline for Believe Tree for Teens and the Christmas Basket food drive, both sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance, is Nov. 29.

Forms are available at local churches, the Feed Store, ResourceCare, and The Albany News, and can be turned back in at the same locations.

Applications for Toys for Tots must be received by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. Information and applications are available at ResourceCare.

Gifts for the Adopt A Senior program are due by Friday, Dec. 3 so they can be wrapped before the Dec. 15 delivery date.

Believe Tree For Teens

Believe Tree for Teens provides gifts for approximately 40 junior high and high school students in Shackelford County.

Teens can be enrolled in the program by their parents or a school counselor.

Ornaments for teens will be available at local churches Dec. 5, with participants providing the gifts specified on each form.

Christmas Baskets

The annual Christmas Basket program strives to provide a box filled with ingredients needed for a traditional holiday meal to families in need of assistance.

Donations can be mailed to the Ministerial Alliance at PO Box 3084, Albany TX 76430. 

Baskets will be distributed on Sunday, Dec. 19.

Toys for Tots

Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty coordinates the local Toys for Tots campaign, which provides gifts for Albany children from infants to 11 years old, working through the Resource Center.

ResourceCare provides Beaty with the ages and genders of children registered for the program.

Additional Needs

ResourceCare programs assistant Ragan Riley said Resource Care still needs donations for all its Christmas outreach programs. Items sought include blankets, hygiene products, paper products, and monetary donations.