Share-A-Christmas 2004 - Gifts of Love, Peace, and Joy

The theme for Share-A-Christmas 2004 is "Gifts of Love, Peace, and Joy!" Tuscarawas County have been blessed over the past 29 years by the generous outpouring of resources and time from the many caring people in our community that we can count on.

Each year over 1,400 families are served and over 900 children are provided with toys. Each year the need continues to be equally great due to the increase in the cost of living. Many families do not have the extra money needed at the holiday season to provide for the basics as well as the extras. Share-A-Christmas offers many opportunities of sharing and giving.

Each family qualifying for Share-A-Christmas receives a food basket, a clothing voucher and toys for children from birth to age 12.

The Share-A-Christmas co-chairpersons, Jennifer Koons and Pat Wells, said over 125 volunteers will conduct the interviewing of the families and the processing of applications.

Each year the people of Tuscarawas County have been generous in their outpouring of resources and time. According to Share-A-Christmas volunteers, there continues to be a great need because of the increased cost of living and the many families who are earning minimum wage, as well as causes such as job layoffs and cutbacks.

The Salvation Army will work with Share-A-Christmas to provide food to families who participate in the interviewing conducted by Share-A-Christmas. There will be only one week of interviewing. Friday, November 5th will be make up day if you missed your scheduled day.

Interviewing will be at: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 E. High Ave. in New Philadelphia from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Parking for clients will be available at the church parking lot, and there will also be on-street parking. The schedule for interviewing is as follows: Please apply on your assigned day according to the first letter of your last name.

A-E Monday, November 1
F-K Tuesday, November 2
L-O Wednesday, November 3
P-S Thursday, November 4
T-Z Friday, November 5

Interviewing will be for one week only and applicants must apply in person during the week of interviewing. Letters to the recipients will be mailed on Wednesday, December 1st, 2004.

You can help out by making a cash contribution. No gift is too large or small. Make checks payable to Share-A-Christmas and mail to T-4-C at 1458 5th St. NW in New Philadelphia.

Please join your friends and neighbors in ringing in the spirit of Christmas! Any questions should be directed to the T-4-C office at (330) 343-6012.