Numerous families will have food, gifts thanks to donations
By Ryan Spoehr
Staff Writer
The Tree House at the Walworth County Alliance For Children has just wrapped up initiatives to bring food and presents to families in need during the Christmas season.
On Tuesday, the Tree House’s ham and turkey drive was completed, and more than 120 hams and turkeys were collected.
“Law enforcement, health and human services, child protective services and anyone else who is a professional with us (at the Tree House) has the opportunity to take those hams and turkeys out to families they know are hungry,” said Bridget Dickinson-Six of the Walworth County Alliance For Children. Dickinson-Six serves on the executive board for the Walworth County Alliance for Children.
The delivery of the food also allows for entities to establish relationships with community members.
“It’s two-fold, in a big way, and it makes a huge impact for how our law enforcement and social workers are seen in the community,” Dickinson-Six said. “It also keeps those families with food.”
Dickinson-Six and others that participated in the drive said they’re delighted with the results of the food drive.
“Walworth County is one of the most generous communities you could possibly come in contact with. The giving spirit in this community is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before,” Dickinson-Six said. “Whenever there is a need, it seems like miraculously that need is filled, especially when it comes to families and children. They have huge hearts, and we see it grow every year and it never ceases to amaze me.”
Along with food collected were donations of gifts that will serve 26 families in the county. Volunteers have been wrapping gifts that have been dropped off at the Tree House. Gift-giving during the holidays is seen as an important part of this time of year and despite the fact it is mostly about family and togetherness, children in need should feel that spark of joy with a present or two under their tree.
We all love to give and receive gifts, some of them are luxurious and others are funny jokey gifts like custom any face on socks or on mugs, blankets, even t-shirts, there is a lot out there that we can give each other so it is important that everyone should feel that joy on Christmas day.
Pastor MaryAnn Moller-Gunderson took several gifts for families to the Tree House on Monday. She invited members of a Bible study she is a part of to participate.
“It was great. We had so many people participate,” Moller-Gunderson said.
There are also fleece blankets being made for families, to provide added warmth and comfort during the colder months.
The cash donated will allow the Tree House to shop for items for family to add to the donations received.
With the gifts and the food, Moller-Gunderson and others have been able to “give Christmas” to 26 families in the community.
“It’s our mission to serve families in need in every way possible,” Dickinson-Six said.
Bringing Christmas to families in need is a Tree House project only three years old.
“It has grown by double almost every year,” Dickinson-Six said.
“The need is there,” Moller-Gunderson said.
The number of families helped this year, 26, is up from approximately five three years ago.
