Area agencies work together to bring cheer at the holidays
You can help Santa this Christmas
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Christmas time is fast approaching and those who help Santa make sure all children have a merry season are gearing up. They want to make sure that when area children have visions of "sugar plums" on Christmas Eve that those visions are carried out in the morning with presents under the tree.

India Turner, director of the Ripley County Department of Child Services and Division of Family Resources (formerly known as Division of Family & Children) noted that she had great concerns about people being able to give after being hit so hard to donate for many disasters throughout this year. However, her fears are partly alleviated as of November 14, more than 30 "Santas" have come forward to help with the annual program her department coordinates each year.

Turner along with Sheryle Pickett are optimistic about this year's project and while the need is great, they know the hearts of people in Ripley County are bigger than ever.

Last year the program served 483 children representing 201 families with more than 30 Santas participating. So far this year 304 children have needs with 121 families being represented and 15 Santas already signed on. "Some of the Santas are new this year," noted Pickett.

Both women know the numbers will grow as they always do and they anticipate the same if not more than last year to have needs.

Forms are available for families in need from the Ripley County Department of Child Services located on US 421 in Versailles. These must be filled out and returned to their office by December 2. The criteria is simple: children must live in the household applying; children of any age including teenagers who are still in school are eligible; and families do not have to meet income guidelines or be on public assistance for them to receive Christmas goodies.

Letters will be sent to recipients letting them know if they qualify, the date for pick up for the items and the location. That letter must be taken along with a form of ID to receive the gifts. Projected pick up dates are December 20, 21, and 22.

"This could be for someone who has fallen on hard times for whatever reason," noted Pickett. This could include a job loss, lay-off, anticipated high heating costs for the winter, a divorce, medical emergencies and more. "There are lots of factors that could cause a family to be in need at Christmas," Pickett and Turner agreed.

This year the program coordinaors are looking for drop-off and pick-up points in various towns throughout the county. Last year they had one central location and when the severe winter weather hit two days before Christmas it made distribution difficult. Anyone interested in coordinating a drop-off/pick-up point in towns such as Batesville, Osgood, Versailles, and Milan, are encouraged to contact Pickett or Turner at 812-689-6295.

Who can help?

Absolutely anyone. Groups, organizations, individuals, businesses are welcome to come on board with the project. Both ladies agreed that anyone can help whether they want to adopt one child, an entire family or just give a cash donation which can be used in a variety of ways. "Last year we helped pay on an electric bill, got someone a washer/dryer and even a dishwasher," noted Pickett. "We find out the specific needs of people who call in and then we try to match the gifts with the recipients."

People known simply as "Santas" can be involved to the extent they want to be. Pickett will stay in touch with them letting them know exactly when and where to drop off their items. Toys and gifts must be gift wrapped with the appropriate tags on them, which will be explained when "Santas" get their families. Anyone wanting to participate can call 812-689-6295.

Turner was quick to say it was not their office alone that makes this program successful. "We have a number of partners who we couldn't do without," she noted. While she has wondered if people have been hit hard for donations, she knows that Ripley County residents are generous and concluded by saying, "It always comes together."

"I've never had a family that I didn't have a "Santa" for," noted Pickett, who said she'll get a phone call from a family in need and sometimes only 15 minutes later she'll have another call saying someone else would like to be on the giving end. "It's just amazing how it all works," she noted.

Not only do they coordinate their program successfully, but Pickett and Turner noted they are working closely with the Shop-With-A-Cop program and the Toys for Children program that is in it's fourth year, sponsored by Bill Warren, Center Township Trustee and Chuck Folz, Ripley County Commissioner.

Toys for Children

According to Bill Warren, this is the fourth year he and Folz have teamed up to help under privileged children receive gifts from Santa.

Everyone is invited to join them, including other organizations who are involved in gift giving at the holiday season. Anyone interested in teaming up with this group is asked to call Warren at 689-4427 or 689-4720. They can also contact Folz at 689-3592 or Helen Ellinghauser at Batesville (812)-934-4359.

Toys, non-perishable food items and cash donations are all welcome. These items can be dropped off at the Ripley County Highway Garage on US 421 between Osgood and Versailles.

According to Warren the planned distribution date for this program is December 19 at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park, Trustees Food Store in Osgood. Food will be given out in the morning on that date with the toys distributed in the afternoon.

Both programs work together to bring joy to those less fortunate at the holiday season.