MIDLAND COUNTY, MI. -- The following is a message from the United Way on how you can help bring hope to needy families this year:
This year has brought significant economic challenges to our country, state and the Midland community as well. It seems to be especially felt during this holiday season. So many people in our community are struggling just to meet the every day needs of feeding and housing their families. Gifts under the tree at Christmas may, unfortunately, not be at the top of the list this year.
We know the joy a child feels when there is a special gift just for them under the tree. Explanations of unemployment, the stock market, and rising food costs are not the vocabulary of a young child. They just want to know that on this special day, they are cherished and remembered.
The United Way Volunteer Center’s Sharing Tree program helps our community fill the holiday wishes of those in our community in need. The initial distribution day was held at Blessed Sacrament on December 8th, with over 200 community elves coming together to distribute the gifts collected so far. It was a joyous event with thousands of gifts going out to needy families, but there are still hundreds of unmet wishes. “The Midland Community has been extremely generous this year, but we are still seeing many requests that have not yet been filled,” said Janet Fergin, Volunteer Outreach and Operations Director.
You can still help guarantee that every child in our community feels the joy that Christmas can bring. Our friends and neighbors struggle each and every day, and the Sharing Tree program gives you the opportunity to help. “It is heartbreaking to read about a 9 year old girl asking for a coat and gloves, instead of the latest toy,” said one volunteer elf. While another volunteer added, “It’s equally tough to see a Mom asking for things like shampoo and toothpaste, so that she can buy a small gift for her child.”
Tags continue to be available at the the United Way Volunteer Center and will be distributed to areas families through Christmas Eve. Gifts that have been purchased need to be dropped off at the United Way Volunteer Center at 220 West Main Street, Suite 100 before noon on December 24th.
For more information, call the United Way of Midland County Volunteer Center at (989) 631-7660 or visit us at www.volunteermidland.org.
