Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
It's the season for giving, and the staff of Combined Community Services is trying to spread that feeling to those in Kosciusko County who need the most - families who are barely hanging on even in these strong economic times.
According to Daniel Clay, director of client assistance for CCS, the nonprofit relief organization, community donations are still needed to help make Christmas bright for those less fortunate.
"We have several programs to help needy families in the county," Clay said. "We're really running low on new toys to give out on our toy giveaway Dec. 20-21."
During the toy giveaway, parents can go to the Home and Family Arts Building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds and receive one new and two or three used toys to give to their children Christmas morning. Parents are asked to come to the giveaway without their children to expedite the process.
"Toy-For-Tots and ABATE of Indiana have donated toys, and DePuy, Biomet and Zimmer have donated money, but we still are in need of more to make sure all the children receive a toy on Christmas morning," Clay said.
CCS gave toys to 600 children last Christmas.
For those who want to help CCS and make some extra cash at the same time, the organization is sponsoring a toy consignment sale Dec. 11-12 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Home and Family Arts Building. Earnings can be picked up Dec. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. Any toys not sold can be donated to the toy give-away.
CCS is also still seeking organizations to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program.
"This is a program where families come in and apply, and then we match them up with a small group, office, church or family," Clay said. "This is an excellent opportunity to positively impact someone else's life this holiday season."
Participants in the program provide the gifts and food to allow the recipient families to enjoy a joyous holiday season, he said. CCS expects to have more than the 78 families assisted last Christmas to seek help this year.
To adopt a family or to donate a new toy for the area's children, call 269-6019.
