Clothe-A-Child/Toys For Tots kicks off campaign

It seems like the Christmas season starts earlier every year. At least that's what some in the business world want us to believe.

The earlier we start shopping, possibly the more money we'll spend.

Another sure sign Christmas is right around the corner is the kickoff for the annual Greene County Clothe-A-Child/Toys For Tots campaign.

The program sponsors -- Linton Civitan Club, Ladies Civitan Club, Bloomfield Psi Iota Xi, and Linton Rotary Club -- have some lofty goals this year. They need to raise over $30,000 in order to provide $50 per child in clothes and $20 in toys.

In 1999 the program served 325 children, and last year that number skyrocketed to 594. It served a record number 600 in 2002.

"To raise funds, Clothe-A-Child seeks corporate and other organizational grants, conducts a mail solicitation campaign, and sets up bell-ringing stations staffed by volunteers to collect direct donations at Wal-Mart, Angell's Foods, and the Bloomfield IGA from late November until Christmas," explains a press release from Clothe-A-Child/Toys For Tots. "The project also collects coats and new toys to distribute directly. Coats may be dropped off for cleaning at Mercury Cleaners in Linton or Bloomfield, and boxes for toy contributions will be set up later in the fall at area banks, the Linton Sears store, and other locations to be announced."

The program is staff entirely by volunteers from the participating organizations, and the fundraising expenses are limited to printing, supplies, and postage. No fees are paid to fundraising solicitors.

"Over the past several years, less than 1 percent of the donations receive have gone toward expenses," the press release states.

The program started in 1968 as the Linton Civitan's Toys For Tots project, but has grown over the years to include children from all over Greene County.

"Clothe-A-Child provides benefits to children ages 12 and under who reside in Greene County school districts and whose families have low income. The project continues efforts to improve coordination of Christmas assistance in the county, cooperating with the Bloomfield Family Life Center and local school and church projects to make sure all those in need are served, without duplicating benefits," the press release explains.

Applications for low-income families to obtain clothing and toys for their children at Christmas are available now until Nov. 1 at the following locations:

* Greene County Division of Child Services (CR 70E, Bloomfield)

* Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce (159 1st St. NW)

* Bloomfield Town Hall (12 E. Main)

* Jasonville Utility Office (304 W. Main)

* Worthington Town Hall (SR 67)

Applications must be returned to any of the above locations, or postmarked to P.O. Box 516, Linton, Ind., 47441, by Nov. 1.

"Those families awarded clothing benefits will receive vouchers to shop individually for their children several weeks prior to Christmas. Toys will be distributed at dinners held at the Saron United Church of Christ in Linton on Dec. 16 and the First Methodist Church in Bloomfield on Dec. 18.

The board welcomes new volunteers to participate in the project's fundraising and distribution activities. Individuals or groups interested in helping, such as by sponsoring toy drives, holding a fundraising event, collecting coats, or providing ringers for the bell-ringing stations, are encouraged to make contact to any of the following:

* Mail: P.O. Box 516, Linton, Ind. 47441.

* E-mail: kstrueh@sbcglobal.net

* Phone: Jim Riester/Karen Strueh 384-3531 (weekdays) or 875-2249 or Wendy Spurlin 699-0353.

Chris is the general manager/editor for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@gmail.com .