Funds sought for holiday programs

By Kathy Thomson

Workers at area non-profits including ResourceCare, Albany Ministerial Alliance, and Toys for Tots, are asking community members to help them give holiday presents to local children, teens, and seniors who request assistance.

Toys for Tots

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

Those in need of assistance should turn in an application to Resource Care before Monday, Dec. 2, according to programs assistant Ragan Riley.

“I collect the toys, use donated funds to purchase additional toys as needed, bag them by family, and deliver the bags to the Resource Center,” said Beaty.

Donation boxes will once again be set up at various locations in town.

“I hope to get boxes for toys and monetary donations out this weekend at the same locations as in the past,” said Beaty. 

Businesses that want to join the campaign can call Beaty at 254-212-9684.

Christmas For Teens

ResourceCare also accepts donations for Christmas for Teens, which provides gifts for approximately 35 to 40 junior high and high school students in Shackelford County.

Teens can be enrolled in the program by either their parents or by a school counselor. Applications are available at ResourceCare, from Albany High counselor Jenny Scott or from Moran principal Jo Hise.

The deadline for applications is Nov. 22.

“The information sheets (with names blacked out) will be attached to ornaments, placed on a tree, and taken to participating churches on Dec. 1,” said Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins. “Church members can pick an ornament from the tree and go and shop for their student. All gifts need to be delivered to the Feed Store, unwrapped, by Dec. 10.” 

Those wishing to make contributions to the gift program can send a check with the memo notation: “Teen Gifts” to Resource Care Center at PO Box 2435, Albany TX 76430.

Adopt A Senior

Forty senior adults are currently signed up for the Vittles By Vehicle program, and ResourceCare is asking that members of the community adopt all of them this holiday season by Friday, Dec. 6. 

Gifts for the seniors should be returned to ResourceCare by Friday, Dec. 13 so they can be wrapped and delivered with meals on Wednesday, Dec. 18. 

To adopt a senior, call at 325-762-2447 ext. 101.

Christmas Baskets

More information about Christmas Basket applications is available in a separate article in this issue.

Additional Needs

“We know of some families that could be adopted this Christmas season, if anyone would like to go above and beyond,” said Riley. “We could use gift cards to Brookshire’s for those in need of food. Non-perishable food items that are donated will be distributed to those in need this Christmas season.”