The annual Warm the Children (WTC) program is a charitable project providing warm winter clothing to children living in Tucker County. There are currently 29 WTC programs in the United States and our local effort was initiated by the Parsons Advocate in the early 1990’s.
The Tucker County WTC program is estimated to have served over 3200 children since it’s inception and is a collaborative effort between the Tucker Community Foundation, Elkins Walmart, Family Resource Network, Family Resource Center and North Central Community Action.
In 2017, approximately 110 area children received clothing through WTC. Local families continue to face many challenges when it comes to making ends meet considering the economy and other factors that people face living in such a rural, isolated county like Tucker. The annual Warm The Children (WTC) program is one way that others can help lend a hand to those in need. The program is tax-deductible and is a great way for generous citizens, businesses and organizations to share some holiday spirit.
“This season we have 160 applications for the Warm The Children Program. We’ve been experiencing a decline over the past several years in donations for this program and additional funds are desperately needed to serve the entire list, we would love to see that no child that is on our radar goes un-served.” stated April Miller, Executive Director of the Tucker County Family Resource Network.
Miller also stated “On September 15, 2018 we were surprised and saddened at the loss of one of our original coordinators for WTC, Cindy Simmons. Cindy was the Starting Points Family Resource Center Coordinator for many years and she devoted hours of time to the WTC program. She worked to make sure that children received warm clothing and other necessary supplies and that families were treated with honor and respect. This year we will be dedicating the WTC giving season in her memory. Cindy worked diligently to improve the lives of children and families and we will continue that spirit in her name during 2018.”
So with that said, we are reaching out to you again this year! Please consider making, even the smallest donation, to the Tucker County Warm The Children Program. You can rest assured that your contribution, no matter how small will be making a huge difference in the health and well-being of a child! Keep in mind that all the funds you donate will go directly to the purchase of clothing and in memory of Cindy Simmons. There are no administrative costs attached to your donation.
Your tax-deductible contribution to the Tucker County Warm the Children program can be made to the Parsons Advocate, P.O. Box 345, Parsons, WV 26287. You can also contact them at 478-3533 for more information. If you would like to learn more about the nation-wide Warm the Children program please go to https://warmthechildren.org
