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The Citizen, 1989-12-06, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1989. PAGE 13. Christmas Bureau making wishes come true ‘Tis the season to be jolly and for over 25 years the Huron County Christmas Bureau has been help­ ing to make Christmas a little merrier for needy families through­ out the county. In the true Christmas spirit, the Bureau, which is sponsored and organized by Huron County Family and Children’s Services, operates on a volunteer basis, collecting and distributing clothing, toys and food to families who are having difficul­ ties making ends meet this season. There are five towns involved in the bureau: Exeter, Seaforth, Goder­ ich, Wingham and Clinton. The bureau was first established in 1963, after urging from the Family Services board of directors, and has grown steadily since. In 1988 it was estimated that 700 children and about 320 families benefitted from the service. Clients of the bureau are referr­ ed by individuals or organizations like ministers, and community service and public health workers. Helen Roorda, volunteer co-ordina­ tor from the Bureau, says that personal requests are also given consideration. “If a person comes to us there would be some investi­ gation but for the most part we would take their word for it,’’ she said. “The people who donate want these items to go to anyone who is not well off, so someone should not be left out simply because they had no one refer them.’’ Ms. Roorda explains that volun­ teers contact the clients then send them a letter establishing a time for their appointment. When they visit the bureau the requirement is for them to pick up one article of clothing, one toy and two pair of mitts for any child in the family under the age of 16. “In this manner people can select a toy their child may have requested or the style of clothing they might prefer,” said Ms. Roorda. “Also”, she continues, “it’s organized so there is no fear of duplicates.” There are usually extra items given to each family as well. “Everything donated is to be contributed to a needy family, so there are always lots of extras,” Ms. Roorda states. Salvation Army helping the needy BY LISA BOONSTOPPEL Christmas is noted as a time of giving and organizations such as The Salvation Army enhance this season of generosity as they help many needy families during this winter celebration. The Salvation Army takes over where the Huron County Family and Children’s Services leaves off. Youth over the age of 16, families that aren’t on welfare and senior citizens are handled by the Citadel in Wingham which services the surrounding areas of Blyth, Luck­ now, Teeswater and Wingham. It all begins with a personal interview where families facing hardships can speak to members of The Salvation Army about their circumstance. Then, the members of their family are recorded so they can be given appropriate dona­ tions. Counselling is also available for those who want it for social or spiritual reasons. “The counselling is more along a spiritual vein,” said Evangeline Henderson who is conducting the giving this year along with her husband Bill Hen­ derson Jr., Ronald Morrison and C.S.M. Bill Henderson who is in command of the operation. The interviews will be conducted from December four to eight in the mornings at The Salvation Army and when they are completed the foodstuffs will be ordered to fill the care packages. Then, the packages Broadcast spreads magic The true meaning of Christmas is found in the gift of giving and in conjunction with the Huron County Christmas Bureau CKNX invites everyone to “Make Christmas Magic” for those in need. where the funds raised will go. Organizers and volunteers will be interviewed and any questions anyone may have will be answered. Phone centers will be set up across Mid-Western Ontario so are to be made up during the third week of December for the recipi­ ents to pick up. The packages contain a food hamper which includes either a ham or turkey, dressing, fresh vegetables and fruit and dessert. Along with the meal, the youth will receive a large gift and a couple of smaller gifts and for the family there are knitted goods such as mitts and hats and if needed, clothes are also provided. “We also put some extra canned goods in from our storage,” said Mrs. Henderson. The food and supplies are gener­ ously given to the Salvation Army for this very purpose from area residents said Mrs. Henderson. “Some people donate supplies every year” and she added, “The Salvation Army sends out a mailed appeal for donations.” So far six people have come to the church for help but Mrs. Henderson imagines there will probably be around 60 people who will be aided by The Salvation Army this Christmas. “I suspect most of the people will be workers who have been laid off,” she said. While this year has been the first one for Ms. Roorda as a co-ordina- tor, she managed the Clinton project for four years and she explains that these projects are set up on a rotating basis. “We try to keep them with the same group for two years then look for another church or service club to provide the place and find the volunteers.” For her, the work began in September, when she began fund- raising, planning, finding volun­ teers and organizing the clients’ names, which are kept confidential. In the fall she only spent one day a week on the project but now as the holidays are quickly approaching, she has been working with the bureau every day. Volunteers will have to cram about 50 weeks worth of work into just a few short weeks after the donations come in, according to Ms. Roorda. “Last year our work­ ers put in between 1500 and 2000 hours into the bureau to help ensure its success.” Donations for the bureaus are to be dropped off on December 7, 8, 9, 11 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is important that donations be dropped off on the days listed as any gifts brought in on the last day will be taken to Goderich and will not be given to local families. Also, this year on CKNX on December 7 there will be a mara­ thon telethon in support of the Christmas Bureau. It will begin at 6 a.m. and run for 12 hours. Pauline Lingard of Grand Bend is the co-ordinator of this first time venture. Since its inception a quarter of a century ago, the bureau’s success is marked not solely on the number of families, who will be able to enjoy a happier holiday season because of them, but also on the generosity of the contributors ana volunteers who demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas is. HURON COUNTY W HOME CARE PROGRAM Requires Home Care Co-ordinator QUALIFICATIONS: A recognized graduate of a Health Care discipline at Univer­ sity level or equivalent combination of experience and education such as nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy or a Masters in Social Work. RESPONSIBILITIES: Working within a multi disciplinary environment the respon­ sibilities will include assessing patient/client eligibility, co­ ordinating the delivery of health care services and any necessary follow up. Apply in writing by December 15, 1989 to: Betty Cardno Director Huron County Home Care Program P.O. Box 458, CLINTON, Ontario N0M 1L0 On Thursday, December 7 a 12 hour fundraisirig broadcast will begin on AM 920 CKNX beginning at 6 a.m. This campaign has a two fold purpose; first to draw aware­ ness to those served by the charities and second to raise funds for them. Throughout the broadcast, list­ eners will be informed on how the charities began, how they work and that people may call the local number serving their area. From time to time there will be an update from each centre stating how much has been raised and where the pledges are from. Through these donations the Huron County Christmas Bureau will be assisted in their efforts to spread Christmas magic and re-dis- cover the true meaning of Christ­ mas. Auburn Compiled by Mrs. Mildred Lawlor. Phone ^2b-7589 Walkerburn Club enjoys creative afternoon The Walkerburn Club held an enjoyable afternoon at Mrs. Shir­ ley Archambault’s home. Mrs. Phyllis Mitchell of Walton demonstrated making sun catchers and displayed lovely ones that she had made. Everyone then spent the afternoon creating birds, butter­ flies and Christmas decorations. A short business meeting was held. The secretary gave her report and took roll call which was answered by gifts for the Child­ Silver Tops to hold Christmas dinner ren’s Aid. Mrs. Vera Penfound offered her home for the January meeting. The program committee will be Mrs. Trish Thomson and Mrs. Bernice Norman and the lunch committee, Mrs. Vera Pen- found and Mrs. Kay Lapp. The draw, donated by Mrs. Isabel Moore, was won by Mrs. Marion Hunking. The meeting closed with a delicious lunch served by the hostess and Mrs. Betty Verwey. The Silver Tops Christmas din­ ner will be at The Classic, Blyth on Wednesday, December 13 at 12 noon, flease let Marion Haggitt or Kay Lapp know by December 9 whether you plan to go or not CHRISTMAS COME TO MCDONALD’S TOYLAND Ifome hardware IN BRUSSELS WHERE YOULL FIND A STORE FULL OF F CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS TREES B LIGHTS PLUS TOYS-TOYS-TOYS-TOYS-TOYS WEHAVEAFULLLINEOF MOFFAT APPLIANCES WASHER & DRYER $939.99 pair white or almond ■ Special savings in our r-^u^ction '89 Home for Christmas Catalogue McDonald *s&. HOME HARDWARE r.jotp.m. BRUSSELS 887-6277 Sa' ’'3p™-