Editor:
Thank you to the people in our community that generously give during the Christmas season.
As in past years the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District will be conducting the “Christmas for Kids Sharing Tree Program” and the Sweet Home Emergency Ministry (SHEM) will be coordinating the “Christmas Food Basket” program.
Individuals or families who wish to have a child’s name placed on the “Christmas Sharing Tree” need to fill out a request form which can be picked up at the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District office at 1099 Long St., beginning Monday, Oct. 20.
Forms must be returned to the fire department by Friday Nov. 28.
The forms for food baskets must be picked up at SHEM. They will be preparing food baskets for delivery in time for Christmas dinner.
Individuals wishing to make cash donations for food baskets may do so at the SHEM Food Bank at 1115 Long Street Sweet Home, Oregon 97386. A donation of non-perishable food and clothing is also welcome.
Cash donations for the “Christmas For Kids Sharing Tree” toy program may be made at the SHFAD office at the address above. All cash donations will be used to purchase toys and needed clothing for local children.
The names of children and families needing assistance will be placed on the “Sharing Tree” at the Fire Department starting Nov. 3. There will be another tree placed at the high school Christmas Bazaar following the Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, for that day only.
In 2013, more than 450 children and 200 plus families requested assistance during the Christmas season.
This year we anticipate an even larger need for food, clothing and toys in our community.
Anyone wanting to donate to the “Sharing Tree” toy program is asked to go to the “Sharing Tree” located at the Fire Department. at 1099 Long St., and choose a name tag from the tree and then buy that child a gift, wrap it and return it to the “Sharing Tree” at the Fire Department by Dec. 11.
The names that are left on the sharing tree will be taken by local fire district personnel who will purchase gifts to fill these requests. This year as in the past, those requesting gifts will be asked to pick them up at the Fire Department starting Dec. 16 and 17.
There are an increasing number of generous people in our community who have requested to not only provide gifts for children, but for a whole family.
If you would like the option of “Adopting a Family” this Christmas Season and purchasing gifts for an entire family, contact the fire district office at (541) 367-5882. We will have family groups available for you!
These two great community programs, as in past years, continue to bless families in this community during the holiday season.
Please support the “Christmas for Kids Sharing Tree” and “Sweet Home Emergency Ministry” (SHEM).
The gift of giving is priceless; thank you for your continued support.
Dave Barringer, Chief
Sweet Home Fire
and Ambulance District