Community Action shifts to gift cards, instead of presents for families
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is shifting its annual holiday effort for local families to gift cards instead of presents.
Annette Finch, director of community service for the agency, doesn’t want to put volunteers and staff for Community Action at risk of contracting Covid-19.
“I’m not putting my volunteers, staff or families in jeopardy,” Finch said today. “We’re doing this differently. It’s the sign of the times. I’m not jeopardizing anyone who volunteers with me or who works the agency.”
Community Action expects to serve about 150 families in Albion, Holley, Kendall and Lyndonville for the holiday drive, but Finch said that number could go up given the economic challenges this year during a pandemic.
Nov. 25 is the deadline for families interested in applying for a gift card through Community Action. People should contact Michelle Figueroa, a Community Action case manager, at (585) 589-5605, ext. 105. Figueroa will set up an appointment.
The size of the gift cards will vary depending on the size of a family. The gift cards are all for Walmart. People who receive the gift cards will then pick out the presents for their children.
Community Action will include food baskets with the gift cards. The agency also will be welcoming the Albion FFA for its annual food drive, with produce delivered to the agency on Dec. 12. That food is shared with several local food pantries.
Finch encouraged anyone with a shortage of food to call Community Action anytime during the year.
“No one should have to go hungry,” she said.
