File PhotoSome of the toys donated in 2015 for the Foster Care Children's Program at Wesley House.

Making the holidays merry and bright for families and children who are less fortunate is something Wesley House Community Center has done for many years.

Christmas is in the air at Wesley House and the center has begun its annual holiday assistance program. Elizabeth Graham, Wesley’s executive director, said those needing assistance have until Nov. 30 to get their applications in.

“Applications are being accepted for Thanksgiving and Christmas food bags, and toys for the children,” Graham said. “New toys and non-perishable food items can be donated. Your donations will help provide a joyous holiday for our friends and neighbors in the area who may be experiencing difficulties this year.”

To apply for assistance visit Wesley House at 1520 8th Avenue, Meridian between 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Applicants must bring proof of income, documentation of government assistance (such as food stamps, TANF), a photo ID and the Social Security number for each family member.

Wesley’s Christmas ministry also includes the Foster Care Children’s Program, in which individuals, families, groups and organizations can adopt a foster care child. The children are no longer with their parents because of neglect or abuse.

“We are asking individuals, churches, religious groups, businesses, hospital and civic organizations to help those children who are in foster care in Lauderdale and the surrounding counties have a happy and blessed Christmas,” Graham said. “Last year there were 112 children just in Lauderdale County, and around 300 foster children in surrounding counties.”

Each child makes a Christmas “wish list,” which is given to the adopting individual or organization to use as a reference in purchasing gifts. Deadline for the Foster Care Children’s Christmas Program is Dec. 5.

“Getting the toys here by the deadline is important so they can be distributed to the social worker, who will get it to the foster children,” Graham said. 

The Foster Care Children’s Christmas Program serves 10 counties: Scott, Newton, Lauderdale, Neshoba, Kemper, Jasper, Clarke, Wayne, Leake, Noxubee and Winston.

“When things are tough for a family at Christmas, Wesley House is able to provide a ray of hope and happiness to the entire family,” Graham said. “The people of Meridian and the surrounding area have always been so generous and have enabled Wesley House to be that ray of hope.”

The names of all applicants in all programs will be added to The Clearing House, which is designed to “clear” the names of those in need with various community service organizations, such as The Salvation Army, to avoid duplication.

And for those who don’t have time to shop for a gift, but still would like to give, donations will be accepted. Contributions may be taken to the center or mailed to Wesley Community Center, Attn: Christmas Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 1207, Meridian, MS 39302.

The center is also looking for volunteers during the busy holiday season to help sort toys, stuff and distribute bags. All this will be done at Wesley House.

 

To volunteer or for more information call 601-485-4736.