Warm the Children operates on the generosity of people though a fundraising campaign that officially began for this winter season in October 2014. Readers from all across the region who subscribe to The Parsons Advocate were asked to contribute whatever they could to help put warm clothes on children’s backs.
April Miller, Director of the Tucker County Family Resource Network stated that the Warm the Children program served 168 children ages 18 and under, during November and December of 2013. The children were matched with volunteer shoppers and given anywhere from $50 – $90 (depending on the age of the child) to spend at K-mart in Elkins. The kids, along with the help of their parents could pick out their own clothing during their shopping day.
Miller stated that Warm the Children is a collaborative effort between The Parsons Advocate, K-Mart of Elkins, the Family Resource Center, North Central Community Action, Tucker Community Foundation, Tucker County Schools, St. George Clinic and other local faith based and social service organizations.
“The Family Resource Center’s main role is to assist with recruiting volunteer shoppers, identifying children and scheduling shopping trips.” Stated Miller
“WTC is a wonderful program and is needed more than ever this year given the high price of gas and groceries. The families that participated last year were wonderful to work with and we wish we could have included even more children in the 2013 program.” Stated Miller.
Robert Burns, Executive Director of the Tucker Community Foundation stated “The generous dontations received from the community were greatly appreciated.”
“The amount of contributions tend to vary from year to year and the program served as many families as possible with the funding that was available.” Stated Burns.
He also stated “Donations are still being accepted, and will be accepted year round. Any new contributions received will be used for the 2014 winter season.”
The Warm The Children committee is very concerned this year about a marked decrease in overall donations. “We hope that the contributions meet or exceed last years levels, but so far the donations are trickling in, and we are seeing a greater need among the families we serve than ever before” stated Miller.
For more information about making contributions to WTC contact Mikie Dumire at the Parsons Advocate at 304-478-3533.
