Santa’s Helpers still needed
The number of children whose parents or guardians are requesting help from the Volunteer and Information Center’s annual “Adopt-A-Family” program has increased significantly, says Susan Sauls, the organization’s executive director.
Sauls said this as the organization is in the middle of recruiting community assistance to participate in this year’s program.
Each year, the VIC composes a list of families registering with the organization, and then the organization recruits community sponsors and individuals to act as “Santa’s Helpers” to buy toys and other items on each child’s wish list.
Last year, the VIC helped about 550 children in the program, and this year, there are 650 on the list, which is the highest it’s ever been, Sauls said.
The VIC is currently recruiting more “Santa’s Helpers” to donate their time and money to purchase gifts for a child. The good news is that volunteers so far have signed up to take care of all but 125 children, Sauls said.
The organization hopes that volunteers can be found for the rest of the children by Dec. 1, which leaves enough time to do the shopping before all the gifts are due by the morning of Dec. 17 at the Housing Authority of Henderson, Sauls said. That afternoon, parents or guardians of the children will pick up the gifts, she said. Santa’s Helpers need to wrap the gifts before turning them in, she said.
Sauls said the easiest way to sign up is to call the VIC office at 270-831-2273 or Sauls’ mobile phone at 270-831-0660. Volunteers can also go to the volunteerhenderson.org and click the donate button, Sauls said.
Sauls said a Santa’s Helper can provide for as many children as he or she wishes. Additionally, businesses, companies, churches and clubs also volunteer to sponsor children, she said.
The initiative has also drawn repeat support from Henderson County High School students who are a part of the school’s Colonels Corner Bank, and the group typically sponsors 50 children—or more if they can raise more money, Sauls said.
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church also participates, putting up a Giving Tree each year in which parishioners pick a child’s name, Sauls said.
Sauls said another aspect of the program that underscores the importance of the it is that many of those who volunteer as Santa’s Helpers today were once on the receiving end as children.
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VIC’s ‘A Taste of Christmas’ set for Dec. 7
Sauls also mentioned the VIC’s biggest annual fundraiser coming up, “A Taste of Christmas.” The fundraiser provides money for all the VIC’s programs throughout the year, which includes Adopt-A-Family as well as Build-A-Bed and VITA-Free Tax Preparation among others.
The cost is $50 per ticket, which allows for attendees to eat food from 20 different restaurants.
“Our guests walk around and eat” is how Sauls explained the evening with a chuckle. There will also be an open cash bar.
It will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7 in the lobby of the Preston Arts Center.
Sauls is hoping for 150 tickets to be sold. With tickets, event sponsors and tree sponsors, Sauls is aiming to raise $10,000.
Restaurants and organizations that have confirmed to participate as of Nov. 6 are:
- Farmer & Frenchman
- Rookie’s
- Rockhouse
- Rotary Club
- Sidewalk Café
- Thomason’s BBQ
- Firedome Pizza and Wings
- HCHS Culinary students
- Tacoholics Kitchen
- Hometown Roots/Homer’s/Roast
