With the help of North Central Community Action, the West Virginia State Police Detachment in Parsons is hosting their annual Troopers for WV Needy program.
Donations from individuals and businesses in the community help sustain the program that gives local families items that keep the holidays happy.
From December 6 through the 15, families come to the North Central Community Action office to pick out their holiday gifts and supplies. Families are able to choose from the stock of donations, so that “it gives parents some ownership in their choice,” Michelle Hebb, State Police Office Assistant, said. Wrapping paper is provided for families as well.
Troopers sometimes act as delivery agents, bringing items to and from the office to families in need.
The two Dollar General stores in the county donate items, and also serve as a donation drop off point. Next time you shop at Dollar General, consider purchasing a few extra items to donate.
“The last 3 to 4 years, since we partnered with Dollar General, we collected a lot of toys,” Hebb said. “The last four years have been really big.”
Toys, clothes, wrapping paper, household items, and food for a holiday dinner are suggested donation items. Barbara Simmons, Community Service Supervisor for North Central Community Action, mentioned that baby and teenage gifts are always in demand as well.
North Central Community Action, local churches, and individual donations supply food items that families in need can use to create a hearty holiday meal.
In addition to the two Dollar General locations, donations can also be dropped at the State Police office in Bretz and the North Central Community Action office on Central Ave. in Parsons.
Simmons said program participants are either referred or call in themselves. “This year we’ve been contacted with a couple families that are having medical problems that just don’t have the funds to buy for their kids, and we are able to help them out,” Simmons said.
“It’s like a guessing game every year about whether we will have enough or not,” Simmons said. “Each year it seems like the number of families grows.”
The program began over 20 years ago in coordination with the Salvation Army. After the Salvation Army stopped participating, the State Police office in Parsons decided to keep the program alive.
