ANOKA, Minn. – (Dec. 17, 2015) – The holidays are a time of giving, family, and for some they are a time of need. Not all families can supply their children with gifts or a big meal. That’s where the Christmas Committee comes in, to serve families in need in Anoka County.
“We help people, anybody that states they have a need,” said Christmas Committee drop site coordinator Donna Jorgensen. “We don’t ask any financial questions at all. They just need to go through the application process that usually happens in November,”
The Christmas Committee’s roots began as a different organization in the 1970s and has since been partnering with other organizations such as Toys for Joy to get toys and food to thousands of children.
“This year it’s right around 965 families which is over 2,500 children,” said Jorgensen.
RELATED LINKS:
Jorgensen knows that it is important to give back to her community and that their are plenty of families in need in Anoka County even though it is less obvious.
“It’s a big deal. It’s really hidden here in Anoka County. We would not know of the people in need unless you were involved in a project like this. We don’t have poor areas per say. They are kind of scattered, they can be your next door neighbor,” said Jorgensen.
This organization runs almost completely off volunteers and hundreds will share time loading, packing, and organizing food and gift donations. Included in this are several area schools bringing classrooms in to volunteer. This teaches a younger generation how meaningful it is to lend a hand and a little time as any help makes a big difference.
“Someday I won’t to be able to do this anymore and it’s really important to instill that idea of giving at an early age and those are the kids that are going to pick up and take off when I leave,” said Jorgensen.
The current storage location is the Armory in Anoka, which gives them a large space for a full week, which is vital to the operation.
“We haven’t ever had as much community support and participation as we do now. I think that really helps bind and solidify a community, a positive place to be when you can help the people in the greatest need,” said Jorgensen.
The reaction the volunteers see from those receiving as well as their own happiness in giving feels just right this holiday season. “A lot of times there is no other option for them. It’s really a great thing on both sides. That they are very grateful and it’s really giving back to your community and that’s why everybody is here,” said Jorgensen.
