Program brings Christmas relief to residents in need
Carolers keep the spirit of Christmas vibrant at the Thompson Falls bazaar. (Clark Fork Valley Press)
Jesse Christian of White buffalo Wild Crafts helping people stay vibrant in this cool winter weather (Clark Fork Valley Press)
Ginger Bread houses were all the rage this year with plenty of entires for the Ginger Bread Houses contest (Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Sanders County Sheriff’s Office has kicked off its annual relief fund for families and residents this coming holiday season.
The special Christmas Appeal began with former Sanders County Sheriff Gene Arnold in 1998. Nineteen years later, families needing a little extra support are still able to receive some donated Christmas cheer.
“Everything is donated — the money, the food — it is a great time of year seeing how resident’s of the county band together to give some cheer to those in need,” said SCSO Administrator Theresa Milner.
She continued to say that the requests were rolling in to her and she is preparing some special gifts and food baskets for volunteers to deliver around the county on Dec. 22.
“We get many presents and have a tally we keep to make sure that all age groups of children have enough to go around,” she said.
With the recent Sanders County Christmas Bazaar success, Milner said it was Ginny Dyer that had originally created the local bazaar to aid the Sheriff’s Office in raising the money to help bring it all together.
“It’s grown, and as people come and go, the community still gets it going every year — and every year people support it,” she said.
Along with the big fundraiser, Milner explained many businesses within Sanders County also host a “tree of hearts” where residents can take a pink or blue heart and purchase a gift for children.
The Sheriff’s Relief Fund not only helps families with presenting Christmas gifts for their children, but they also put together a Christmas feast basket for couples, families or even just one person in need.
“We receive the slips on behalf of people who may need our help, or families themselves. We aim to ensure every resident in the county can enjoy the spirit of Christmas and what it is all about no matter what their situation may be,” expressed Milner.
The food baskets that are put together by volunteers will have all the favorites for a scrumptious Christmas feast. From turkey or chicken to stuffing, greens, potatoes, cranberry sauce and a few other favorites.
The number of families who receive baskets has kept growing steadily over the past years. As well as the number of Sanders County children who receive presents has grown substantially as well.
“Each child receives two presents each,” explained Milner.
“We’re always looking for volunteers to help us distribute the gifts and food baskets to the families each year,” she said.
With forms having to be into the SCSO by Dec. 15, Milner expects the number of presents needed to be somewhere around 820 and 187 food basket.
“It’s a great vibe when we get together at the Valley bank in Thompson Falls,” she said.
Further adding that as Christmas creeps closer, deputies and volunteers will be staying on top of the tree of hearts that are scattered about the county to bring goodies back to the headquarters.
“This year we have the Thompson Falls Women’s Club helping along with the Search and Rescue crew, families, friends and anyone else who wants to help. The more the merrier,” explained Milner.