Leave it to Iolans, when amid one of the worst recessions in history, folks still find time to give.
Take the 2009 Christmas season.
While many were stretched thin with their own economic crises, organizers of Adopt-A-Child still had donors supply clothes and gifts to nearly 300 local children.
“We actually ran out of kids that needed to be adopted,” noted Barbie Daugharthy, one of those who will oversee the 2010 effort, which begins with Thursday’s sign-up.
Parents wanting to have their children receive assistance should register at Iola’s First Baptist Church, 801 N. Cottonwood St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Any Allen County family that receives assistance from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, or meets other income guidelines, is eligible to receive gifts for their children under 18. Also eligible are Medicaid recipients.
Registration requires bringing their children’s Social Security cards and a medical card or other proof of income.
During Thursday’s sign-up, recipients will list their children’s ages, clothing sizes, needs and wish lists.
Sign-up for Iola Police Department’s Project Care runs simultaneously.
Daugharthy is working in league with Deb Sager and Teresa Gribble in overseeing one of the community’s largest charitable efforts. Also on hand when available is Iolan Cheryl Sparks, a past organizer.
Iolans wishing to supply gifts for the children can begin picking up lists on Nov. 11. Sparks said most donors spend an average of about $40 per child.
There is one primary difference from years past.
Donors bringing in gifts for the children are asked to leave the items unwrapped.
Daugharthy said volunteers affiliated with Adopt-A-Child will handle the wrapping services in December.
The goal is to have all of the gifts on hand by mid-December to ensure they are distributed before Christmas.
For more information, contact Daugharthy at 365-5061, Sager at 365-7407 and Gribble at 365-9103.
Adopt-A-Child sign-up Thursday
