Christmas assistance program is available

To the editor:

The Clay County Christmas Assistance Program is one of the many projects/programs sponsored by the Clay County Cooperative Benevolence Ministry (CCCBM). Prior to the creation of Christmas Assistance Program there was no coordination between the various social service organizations, private individuals, businesses and churches within our community. In many cases this lead to some families receiving Christmas gifts from more than one organization and other families were receiving no assistance.

With the development of a county-wide application for Christmas assistance and coordinating with the many providers of assistance we have been able to provide some type of assistance at Christmas to more families who are in need. The program is not perfect and after being around for a number of years some groups and organizations are still unaware of the program and its function.

When making an application to the Christmas Assistance Program, each applicant acknowledges that this application does not guarantee assistance. In 2014 there were a number of families who failed to return the application for assistance in by the deadline, returned it to the wrong place, just failed to apply or didn't turn in the documents that were requested on the form or by the coordinator. Please be sure to turn in applications by deadline along with other documents if necessary. There is a release of information that is placed on the back of the application that must be completed and signed so there is no delay in processing the application. Applications are available now to schools, agencies, organizations, etc., and can be dropped off at the Division of Child Services, Housing Authority or Hamilton Center up to November 6th.

Thanks to all of our contributors that helped make these families have an enjoyable Christmas. Without your help we would not have been able to provide for the families whom are in need the most. If your church, agency, organization, business or even yourself would like to contribute to this county wide effort to coordinate assistance towards families in need for this upcoming 2015 Christmas, please contact Monica at 765-280-3130.

Monica Wallace

The Hamilton Center