By Theresa Armstrong

Reporter

tarmstrong@gcnewsgazette.com

One child needs a coat, another is asking for winter clothes and a third family lists diapers as the most needed item on their wish list for the Grayson County Christmas Program. The list goes on and on.

“I have seen more Wish Lists in the last the last few days than I care to mention and everyone has a most needed item,” said program organizer Tracy Dennison.

The list that Dennison is referring to is the Wish List from more than 200 area children that will be hung on the Angel tree at Wal-Mart this Christmas season.

In addition to those names hung on the tree, there are over 650 children in the county with a Wish List that will be served by the Grayson County Christmas Program this year.

The program is a collective effort by the entire county to serve children who are in need of assistance during the holidays.

“Several years ago the organizations all got together and decided the team approach was the best way to tackle this enormous task”, said Dennison. “Now we are able to collaborate and find ways to better serve those in need.”

Angie Jones, the team member representing Community Education, wants everyone to know this program is a countywide program serving all the children in the area.

“We have team members from all across the county. School Resource Centers play a key role by taking applications and factories, restaurants and individuals help by taking the Wish List and shopping. It’s a great combination,” said Jones. “The Caneyville Community Club, and the American Legion are just a few of the many groups who help with this project.”

Since beginning the program several years ago, the group has been able to operate more efficiently and prevent duplication, which is key to making the program work.

“All the items are marked and can only be exchanged for a like-item, which ensures that the children are getting the benefit of the gifts,” added Dennison

“I put the tree up at Wal-Mart last Wednesday afternoon, just before the big kickoff to shopping Friday morning,” said Dennison.

The tree, which is located across from McDonald’s in Wal-Mart, will hold the Wish List of the children that need to be shopped for.

“The Wish List is all about clothes, coats, shoes and socks. Toys are listed, but we ask that the most needed items be filled first, we have other sources for toys,” added Dennison. “We prefer shoppers to not go overboard with shopping, two to three outfits are enough”.

The group does encourage people to work together as a team to shop.

“Co-workers can take one or two names and combine resources to fill the list”, Jones said.

The gifts, which must be turned in to Wal-Mart by December 8, will be grouped and bagged for the parents or guardians to pick up before Christmas.

“We encourage the guardians to take the gifts home and wrap them for Christmas morning”, Dennison said. “It really feels good to know that you are helping a family to have a better holiday.”

 If as a group or organization would be interested in several names or if there are questions feel free to give Tracy Dennison at call at 259-0043.