Ministry of Concern collecting donations for holiday program
Provided photo: This room is full of some of the donations received last year by Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern for their holiday give-away program. The agency is seeking donations again this year to help an anticipated 250-300 children.
ALBION – The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern is kicking off its holiday assistance program, helping eligible families in the area.
According to Gretta Smith, client advocate/program coordinator for GOMOC, families are now welcome to come in and fill out wish lists for their children. Then, just before Christmas they may return and choose three to five gifts, depending upon the number of items available.
Smith has also issued a plea to the community to consider making a donation to the Christmas program. Gifts of all kinds are requested, including gift cards, clothing (especially winter coats, boots, etc.), toys, sheets and blankets, crafts, books, wrapping paper and money.
She requests all items be new.
The Christmas give-away program was started by GOMOC in 2015. Last year they provided Christmas presents to 279 children, Smith said, many of whom were participants in their Just Friends program. Just Friends is a youth mentoring program which provides role models to children
All families who apply for Christmas gifts will be contacted and arrangements made for them to come in and choose their gifts for children up to 18 years of age.
Anyone wishing more information may call Smith at 589-9210.
