Holiday Cheer

12/7/2004

Officials with Wake County Human Services anticipate the demand for its annual Holiday Cheer Program to exceed 3,000 households this year. Whether it's changes in the economy or the growth of Wake County's population, more households than ever are meeting the income guidelines for the annual outreach program.

In 2003, Human Services helped a record 2,400 low-income households through Holiday Cheer. Support ranges from providing toys, gifts, games or clothing to children of low-income families to food and toiletries to elderly shut-ins.

"We depend solely on the generosity and good will of the community," said Gene English, Holiday Cheer coordinator. "Individuals or groups may sponsor a household or provide funds that allow Human Services staff to purchase the items for the qualifying households. We appreciate any contributions to the fund."

Individuals, churches, civic and fraternal organizations along with businesses may sponsor or adopt families, or they may choose to set up an "Angel Tree" to encourage customers, patrons, members, congregations or employees to assist these families.

Anyone wishing to contribute financially to Holiday Cheer may mail checks to:

Holiday Cheer
P.O. Box 46833
Raleigh, NC 27620

In addition to gifts and financial support, Holiday Cheer is in need of volunteers to help sort and deliver gifts when a specific sponsor is unable to deliver them. For more information or to become involved in Holiday Cheer, call 212-7020 or 212-7021.

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