The combined efforts of Live 101.9, Decatur Community Cares, Decatur County Family Connection and the Salvation Army are working hard to make the coordinated Secret Santa program the “go-to” place to brighten the holidays for needy families.
Sherry Weaver, of Decatur Community Cares, is acting as coordinator for the four organizations. She said this week they have approximately 20 people who have volunteered to come help in sorting, wrapping, delivering, or whatever is needed.
She said they are in need of monetary donations. Any contributions are tax deductible and should be made payable to Decatur County Family Connection with the memo line specifying “Secret Santa.”
Secret Santa bins are placed around town to collect toys and non-perishable foods.
They can be found at Live 101.9 Radio, Reeves Linens & Gifts, McDaddy Motor, Turner Broadband, Dazzle Jewelry & More, Regions Bank, Tuten Chiropractic, Stones, Inc., Care Chiropractic and Bank of the Ozarks.
Recipient children and their families have been identified and verified through the school system as being in need. Weaver stressed that the need for food is also great as school will be out for three weeks and many of these children will miss 15 free breakfasts and lunches.
Stacey Warren at the Salvation Army reports they have had a big response from churches, individuals and organizations to adopt a child or a family.
They also have a fully decorated Christmas tree decorated and donated by Elizabeth & Me for a silent auction. It is displayed in the front window of the Salvation Army and anyone may come in and place a bid on it.
The Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army will be out in full force officially on Nov. 29, however, Warren said this Saturday and Sunday, and again on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving they will be outside some of the supermarkets to raise funds for food for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for the needy. The number for Salvation Army is 243-7250.
Ronnie Burke of Decatur County Family Connection said he has had one individual call and want to provide for eight families. People may chose to do their own shopping, or “Since Family Connection is a 501 C (3) organization, people who just want to donate money can send checks to Decatur County Family Connection, P.O. Box 990, Bainbridge, GA 39818 and designate how many families they wish to provide for and we will do the shopping,” said Burke. That phone number is 229-309-9032.
Anyone wanting to sponsor a child or receive more information about the Secret Santa program is invited to contact Weaver at 229-726-5455 or the Community Cares office at 229-205-7200.