(by Don Meador, Allen County Schools, September 24, 2020)
For a ninth consecutive year and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Allen County Family Resource Centers (FRC) and the Allen County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 36 are partnering for the Together for Christmas program---a program to help children have a better Christmas. However, safety and health concerns will bring a new look to the program in 2020.
The first change is the site for the sign-up phase of the program. Parents/guardians who need assistance in securing gifts for their child’s Christmas must register for the free gift giveaway during the week of October 19-23. Registration will be between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day at the Dumont Hill pavilion at Dugas Community Park located at 336 North Bedelia Street in Scottsville.
To register, parents/guardians will need to bring a copy of each of their child’s birth certificate or social security card, proof of residency in Allen County, proof of family income, and a parents/guardians’ driver’s license. Applicants are asked to bring documents stating what is received from disability benefits, child support, wages, or any other type of income, including food stamps. This information may be provided in the form of pay stubs, tax papers, or bank statements. Applicants may also obtain verification of assistance that is received by contacting the Family Support Office during the week of registration.
The Together for Christmas program is available for any child from age 0 through age 18---provided the 18-year old is still enrolled (in-person or virtual) in the Allen County School District.
Program officials stress that registration during the week of October 19-23 is required to participate in the Together for Christmas program. No Saturday registration will be held this year and no late registrations are accepted.
A second change this year brought about by the pandemic will be in the method that qualifying applicants will have to obtain gifts. Normally, parents/guardians are given the opportunity to shop on a date in December. Shopping will not be permitted this year. Officials are still working to determine the exact method that will be used to distribute the gifts but have set Saturday, December 12 at the date the items will be handed out. The giveaway will be at the Patriot Athletic Complex at Allen County-Scottsville High School. The method and times will be announced.
Together for Christmas officials are also receiving donations in support of the program. However, FRC officials note that persons making donations will only be able to donate items still in the original box or packaging---no slightly used items can be accepted. Monetary donations from individuals or organizations will be accepted also, thus allowing FRC staff to shop for gifts. Officials add that monetary gifts are “much needed” since some FOP fund raising activities have been canceled due to the pandemic. Other FOP fundraising activities are scheduled but any and all monetary donations will be greatly appreciated.
Persons needing additional information or who would like to donate, can contact FRC counselor Angel Clark at (270) 622-7140.