Still need funding to make Christmas merry for families

Gosh, it’s been awhile. I didn’t realize providing gifts and wishes to over 50 families was so much work.

Let’s see. First we had to raise the thousands of dollars needed to grant the wishes. This has been a tough task in a year when business in Michigan is horrible. And then too, many Clare County businesses have given so much. There’s United Way, Toys for Tots, Rotary and many other organizations that are collecting money for various disadvantaged families.

I like to think our program- The Clare County Review Christmas Wish program, is a little bit different than most. We grant wishes to everyone- kids and adults. All you have to do is have a hardship, and tell it to us in letter form. We received hundreds of stories and narrowed our choices down to 50.

Next week we will publish many of those stories. Many of them are unbelievable. Your neighbors and friends have endured a tremendous amount of hardship this year. It’s hard for me to read the letters, they are so compelling, and many simply cause you to shed tears.

But, we have read them and are now busy fulfilling the wishes. Sure we are buying thousands of dollars of toys, clothing and food, but there are many other things we are doing as well.

For instance, we provided cash so that a homeless young man could pay first month’s rent and a security deposit for an apartment. We provided over $500 of propane to another man who had no heat or running water in his trailer. Another couple is getting their car overhauled so that they can continue to deliver food for the Meals on Wheels program. Finally, we have arranged for another couple to receive three cords of wood so they can heat their home for the winter.

That’s only a start. Believe it or not, there seem to be many people who have fallen through the cracks of our system. Many families have complained that despite all the help agencies in the area, the cannot provide a decent Christmas for their children. This probably surprises most- it certainly surprises me, but it’s true.

Therefore, if anyone would like to contribute to the Christmas Wish Fund, we would appreciate your help. We’ve got many families we need to help, but with limited funds, it is difficult. It is the goal of this newspaper to make sure everyone in Clare County has a happy Christmas. Won’t you help us see that that goal is reached?

Give us a call at 386-4414 if you would like to help. Thanks again and happy holidays to all!