Long before the actual date of Christmas, organizers in Ripley County are putting their heads together to see what they can do to help others have a merry Christmas.

A few years back, Bill Warren and Chuck Folz initiated a program called Toys for Tots in Ripley County. They have continued this and it has grown to include food and clothing items that are needed as well.

This year, that group has joined with Family Connections in Versailles to serve even more families. After finding out the Ripley County Division of Family and Children would not be coordinating secret santas and those in need this year, these two groups are teaming together. “While we’re not heading up the effort this year, we will still do as much as we can to help these groups,” noted India Turner, director of the DFC. She said with all the changes at her office, they just do not have the staff to continue with the program.

But, secret santas are still needed. Those who have given so generously to the DFC program are encouraged to continue. They can contact Warren at the Ripley County Highway Garage at 689-4427 or at his home at 689-4720, or April McLaughlin at Family Connections at 689-6363.

Warren invites other groups who have similar efforts to help those less fortunate at the holidays to join with them. “By joining together, we feel we can help more people and possibly eliminate some of the ‘double-dipping’,” he told the Osgood Journal.

Warren explained that when one family goes to several different places to get help, it knocks someone else out of possibly getting something for their family.

“We just feel we’ll become more efficient if we’re one group,” noted Warren, with the statement echoed by McLaughlin.

You can call the above numbers to find out how you can become a part of this effort. If you know of someone in need you can also call Warren or McLaughlin.

Last year Warren noted at the last minute he was given a generous check by a couple who just decided they wouldn’t exchange gifts themselves, but give that amount to others in need. “We were down to the wire and I didn’t know what we were going to do,” admitted Warren. He said this donation made it possible to finish out the giving season and that’s what it’s all about.
For more information you can call the clerk’s office at 689-4783 or 689-6115.