Hoping For Holiday Help
House of the Carpenter predicts increased needBy CASEY HICKS
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The House of the Carpenter is striving to help make sure Ohio Valley parents will be able to give gifts to their children this holiday season.
For the past 35 years, the charity has distributed toys during the holidays. Ann Senkbeil, emergency services worker at House of the Carpenter, said the charity strives to provide each child with two toys and other small gift items. The program is designed to help children up to the age of 12, but older siblings can also receive presents.
"It's tough, and it's not a lot, but we've been able to help every child," she said.
During her seven years of working on the Christmas Assistance Program, Senkbeil has seen 300-350 children receive toys each year. With the economy faltering, Senk-beil said she expects to help up to 500 children this season.
Parents can sign up from 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 17, 18, 19 and 21 or 2-3:30 p.m. Nov. 20. The House of the Carpenter is located at 200 S. Front St., Wheeling. Applicants should bring their current month state-issued Medicaid card, Social Security cards for everyone in the home except those listed on the Medicaid card, and the current month's utility bill to verify their home address unless that address is on the Medicaid card. Parents should also bring in realistic gift ideas.
"I would encourage people to talk to their kids and ask them what they want for Christmas in advance," Senkbeil said.
While the House of the Carpenter strives to provide gifts for all children, clients should keep in mind that gifts are donated by the public and the need this year will be great.
The House of the Carpenter does cross-reference with other agencies in the area to make sure Christmas assistance is distributed fairly. If someone is found to have registered with multiple organizations, Senkbeil said that person will likely receive aid from only one agency.
Donations can be made by dropping off new toys to the House of the Carpenter, sending money designated for the Christmas Assistance Program, or by calling the House of the Carpenter to sponsor a family. Senkbeil encourages donors to consider gifts for boys and girls, and gift cards would make ideal presents for older children.
For more information about the Christmas Assistance Program or to donate, call 304-233-4640.
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GETACLUE
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11-11-08 1:55 PM
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Tell Rev. Jack Liphardt to mortgage his $300,000 vacation home out at Tappen Lake and kick in some of his kick back cash!!!! Since I am sure that is what paid foe it in the first place.
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