Help out this holiday season: Share the spirit with individuals in need

Happy holidays are nearing once more, and 'tis the season for holiday cheer, family gatherings and giving generously to those less fortunate. This year, spread the holiday joy by donating gifts to a needy family in the Lakes area through one of several programs.

Adopt a Family

As one of the largest Christmas programs in the area, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. (UDMO) has organized the Adopt-a -Family for children, the elderly and disabled Dickinson County residents for many years.

Groups and individuals may choose from the family list provided in this issue of the paper and should contact UDMO with their choice at (712) 336-1112. Families interested in becoming a part of the list should also call the office. The list is always being modified, so look for new versions of the list in upcoming issues of the Dickinson County News.

Once helping individuals and groups contact UDMO, they will be given the gift receiver's pant, shirt and shoe sizes as well as items from their wish list. Packages should be brought to the UDMO office located at 1575 18th Street in Spirit Lake by mid December.

Be a Santa to a Senior

The popular campaign that has delivered more than one million gifts to needy seniors throughout North America since the program's beginning is under way again this holiday season through the help of Home Instead Senior Care.

"Be a Santa to a Senior is a great way to give back to the older adults in the community during the hectic holiday season when many are forgotten," said Lisa Roti, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Dickinson, Clay, Emmet, Palo Alto, Osceola, and O'Brien counties. "The holiday is often considered a time for children, but seniors, especially those who are isolated and lonely, need to be remembered as well. Be a Santa to a Senior also is designed to help stimulate human contact and social interaction for older adults who are unlikely to have guests during the holidays."

The program runs from Nov. 17 through Dec. 14 works. Prior to the holiday season, participating local non-profit organizations will identify seniors in need within the community and provide those names to Home Instead Senior Care for the community service program. Christmas trees no on display at Lewis Family Drug, JC Penney, and HyVee Food Store feature ornaments with the first names only of the seniors and their respective gift requests.

Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament, buy items on the list, and return them unwrapped to the store, along with the ornament attached. Home Instead Senior Care will then enlist the volunteer help of its staff, senior-care business associates, non-profit workers and others to collect, wrap and distribute gifts.

"Be a Santa to a Senior is a way to show our gratitude to those older adults who have contributed so much to our community," said Roti. "We hope to reach out to many with this gesture of holiday cheer and goodwill."

Those interested in volunteering for the program or submitting a senior name to receive a gift are asked to contact Kara Rice, Client Care Coordinator, at (712) 336-2740 or (712) 262-0456. Businesses are encouraged to contact the local Home Instead Senior Care office about adopting groups of seniors.

Campus Women's Club sponsors Secret Santa project

Beginning Friday, Nov. 27, area residents, organizations, clubs, church groups, etc. can choose from tags containing information about less fortunate children from the Campus Women's Secret Santa tree located at Melander's, 922 Okoboji Ave., Milford.

Under terms of this project, persons selecting a tag will shop for items listed. The gifts should be gift wrapped and marked with the letter and number from the original tag and returned to Melander's by Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. Names of all participating children are kept confidential. Children are only identified by a letter and a number on their tag.

Members of the Campus Women's Club, along with Santa Claus will distribute these gifts to the children on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Dec. 14-16.

Last year, over 110 less fortunate children were remembered by area residents who felt the need to touch the lives and warm the hearts of children during the holidays.

Parks Marina, CAASA host toy drive

Parks Marina in Okoboji and Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA) have teamed up to launch Boat Loads of Toys, an effort to provide Christmas toys and clothing to youth served by the CAASA organization in Dickinson and the surrounding counties.

Now through Dec. 19, bring an unwrapped new toy or articles of clothing to Parks Marina, located on East Lake Okoboji and receive a 20 percent off shopping spree on all Barefoot stuff and select water accessories.

"This is an idea we've kicked around for a couple of years and are so excited that we may be able to make Christmas a little brighter for some that are experiencing hard times," said Debbie Agre, marketing director at Parks Marina. "We feel so blessed to be part of this community, a thriving company, and we love the idea of giving back, especially during the holidays."

CAASA serves families experiencing domestic and sexual violence in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Ida, Palo Alto and Sac counties in Northwest Iowa. Services include crisis counseling, advocacy, emergency shelter, and support group to adults and youth.

"I am very excited about this project," said Rachel Partello, Dickinson County CAASA Coordinator. "Because of this collaboration, needy families will be able to have a meaningful and safe Christmas this year."