United Way gives $5K boost to Christmas Bureau
The Jackson County Ministerial Alliance Christmas Bureau received a big boost in support Thursday when co-directors Jennifer Godfrey and Jennifer Ingels accepted a $5,000 check from The United Way of Greater Topeka.
This is the third year in a row that the United Way has helped make Christmas brighter for Jackson County families.
“United Way is thrilled to once again reinvest in Jackson County by helping the JCMA Christmas Bureau,” said Tonya Barta, who is a co-chair on the United Way’s Jackson County Advisory Committee alongside Carrie Saia. “We know this donation will help make the holidays brighter for some Jackson County residents. This is a reflection of generous donations, given through the United Way annual campaign, going back to help others.”
A special check presentation was held Thursday afternoon at Holton Community Hospital.
Miriam Krehbiel, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Topeka, said that $5,000 in donations was collected by Jackson County residents through the annual United Way campaign.
“We’ve been so stunned by the needs in Jackson County, but it’s wonderful that local people have raised these funds to reinvest them back into their community,” Krehbiel said.
Both Ingels and Godfrey said the donation from United Way is appreciated.
“We can definitely use this,” Ingels said.
This year’s JCMA Christmas Bureau has been scheduled from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton where income-eligible families can “shop” for Christmas gifts, essential items and food. The bureau also serves senior citizens and disabled residents in need.
Ingels and Godfrey recently mailed letters to area businesses, clubs and organizations asking for their help in collecting items for the store.
Some of the items needed are new toys and games for children ages newborn to 18, gifts for seniors and disabled (books, stamps, magnifying glasses, etc…), peanut butter, muffin mix, spaghetti sauce and other food.
Volunteers are also seeking completed essential bags.
Members of the community are being asked to fill a reusable grocery sack of some kind with the following items, laundry soap, dryer sheets, shampoo, conditioner, dish soap, bath soap, hand soap, four-pack of toilet paper, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, Kleenex, toothbrushes, toothpaste and wash cloths.
For more information about donating an essential bag, contact Terri Robbins at Lifetime Eye Care in Holton.
Other donations can be dropped off at Giant Communications, the Holton Post Office or Evangel Church. Monetary donations are also being accepted.
During the recent Fall Fest event, a total of $252 was donated, which included a match by Giant Communications, the women reported.
Volunteers are also being sought to help set up the store and clean up after the event in December.
Applications for the Christmas Bureau will be available starting Nov. 1, Ingels said.
The applications will be available in both English and Spanish and can be picked up and dropped off at Evangel Church, the JCMA New Hope Center (which is located in the basement of the First Christian Church in Holton at 310 W. 5th St.) and the Jackson County Senior Citizens Center (312 Pennsylvania Ave.).
Applicants can also request that a form be mailed to them by contacting Godfrey at 785-224-3608.
Participants must attach a copy of a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) receipt for children ages five and younger, and for older children, either a copy of a free and reduced form from school or verification of current food stamp assistant must be included. These papers must be attached to all applications.
Senior citizens and adults with disabilities will also need to provide proof of a limited income such as a copy of an income tax statement, monthly bank statement or proof of monthly income. A copy of one of the above must be attached to applications.
Applicants must be returned by Nov. 30, but the women are asking that they be submitted “as early as possible” in order to finalize a headcount of items needed.
Suggested gift ideas for all participants of the Christmas Bureau can be included on this year’s application, it was reported.
Once the applications have been received and approved, participants will receive a postcard in the mail listing the appointed time they will need to arrive at this year’s store.
