Give Back with Wheeling Township This Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, individuals, organizations and businesses may be looking for meaningful ways to give back to their community. Wheeling Township has two programs that may just fit the bill; Thanksgiving Baskets and Adopt A Family, both of which serve low income families living in the Township. As the name implies, the Thanksgiving Basket program provides a traditional holiday meal with all the fixings to a qualifying family. The Adopt A Family Program connects low income families with generous donors who do their best to fulfill holiday wish lists.
"We live in an incredibly generous community," says Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "Year after year, we are truly amazed at how much people care about their neighbors, and not just during the holiday season. "
Turkey day is coming up soon. To participate in the Thanksgiving Basket program, potential donors are asked to send an email stating how many baskets they would like to provide to GA@WheelingTownship.com; the deadline to become a donor is Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. Once received, a detailed list of items to go into the baskets is provided to donors, who are asked to include a range of non-perishable food items such as cranberry sauce and stuffing mix, potatoes, rolls and dessert. Additionally, a $25 grocery gift card is also requested so the receiving family can purchase a turkey or other meat to complete their dinner. Donors may provide additional items, if desired. Thanksgiving baskets should be dropped off at the Township on Monday, Nov. 25. In 2018, 264 families received Thanksgiving baskets through this donation program.
If you're having visions of sugarplums instead, consider participating in the Township's annual Adopt A Family program. This program matches donors (individuals, organizations or businesses) with low income families, and provides the to spread seasonal joy to others. Donors are asked to spend between $50 and $100 per family member and may choose the size of the family to sponsor. While the identity of recipient families remains confidential, donors do know they are helping to brighten the holidays for those less fortunate.
If you are interested in being an Adopt A Family donor, please fill out the form on the Wheeling Township website at wheelingtownship.com or email GA@WheelingTownship.com. The deadline to apply is Nov. 8. Donors are provided with detailed wish lists, including clothing sizes, toy ideas and gift suggestions, and are asked to wrap and deliver the gifts to the Township on a pre-assigned date between December 12th -16th. This program brought smiles and holiday joy to 245 families in the community in 2018.
"One of the things our community does best is share with those who might not be able to provide a hearty holiday meal or presents for their family over the holidays," Supervisor Penner said. "Soon the Township building will be bursting at the seams with donated food baskets and gift-wrapped presents; it's beyond heart-warming."
For more information on how you can make a difference for local low income families this holiday season, whether by donating a Thanksgiving basket or adopting a family, contact Wheeling Township's General Assistance Department at GA@WheelingTownship.com.