Holiday Helping Hands

Help the Charities Who Help our Community

  Miracles can happen, especially with a little help. The Towne Lake community has always been very generous and compassionate to those less fortunate, especially during this time of the year. We have updated our list of charitable organizations for December. These organizations strive to meet the needs of the less fortunate in Cherokee County. Help to make a miracle happen - whether it's food for the hungry, supplies for Senior citizens or victims of domestic abuse, or toys to make a child smile on Christmas morning. There are numerous ways to let those in need know they are not alone.

NEW THIS MONTH - The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve sponsors the Annual Toys for Tots program, which runs from October through December. The goal is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to needy children in the community. There are several ways the community can assist the Toys for Tots Program. Monetary donations can be made online at www.toysfortots.org or toys can be dropped off at any of the drop off sites. In Cherokee County, there are four locations accepting donations: The View at Holly Mill, 105 Holly Mill Village Drive, Canton; The Enclave at Holly Mill, 105 Nacoochee Trail, Canton; Rivers Edge, 107 Swannee Lane, Woodstock; and the Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Pamela Ryman at (770) 919-1872.

NEW THIS MONTH - The Cherokee Family Domestic Violence Center provides temporary shelter for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. Harriett Rogers, donation coordinator for the shelter, said they are always in need of paper products such as paper towels, paper plates and trash bags. They also need large-sized disposable diapers and overnight diapers. Items such as new bed pillows, bedding, towels and alarm clocks are also helpful, and currently, there is a need for nail clippers and files and hair products such as shampoo, hair rinse, gel, mousse and hairspray and other feminine products. Volunteers are always needed at the shelter year round. They are needed to work the volunteer hotlines, which are open 24/7, and to serve as babysitters when the women are attending support group meetings or needing to run errands. For more information or to donate supplies or time, please call Harriett at (770) 735-2218.

NEW THIS MONTH - The Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council needs donations for the Helping Hands Chore Program. This program provides basic chore services for the homebound elderly Meals-on-Wheels clients in Cherokee County. Donation items include batteries, light bulbs, rakes, air filters, smoke and CO2 detectors, kitchen brooms and mops. A complete list can be obtained by calling Dianne Voss at (770) 345-7515. Donations may be dropped off at the Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton.

NEW THIS MONTH - The KinderCare Resource Department is sponsoring several families in the Cherokee County area for their Annual Holiday Donation Program. These families are in need of children's books and art supplies, basic toiletry items, socks and undergarments, shoes and jackets, as well as toys. If you or your family would like to donate, please contact Resource Director Julie Barnett at (678) 438-1784.

The Cherokee County Boys and Girls Club will host its Annual Christmas Party for more than 175 children ages 6 through 16. The food for the party will be provided, but the club is in need of gifts for the children. The party is scheduled for December 19, and the Club requests all donations be in by December 12. Gifts are particularly needed for the teen age group. Items such as gift cards, sports balls, CDs and gift certificates are a few suggestions. Monetary gifts are also accepted as they can be used to purchase gifts. For more information, please call (770) 720-7712.

Cherokee County Department of Family and Children's Services (DFACS) will sponsor a Secret Santa Program. The program will match a foster child's wish list with a sponsor. This year, DFACS hopes to provide Christmas gifts for the more than 400 children currently in foster care. Sponsors can donate as much or as little as they can afford. They can donate cash or purchase gifts from a wish list. Gifts are requested to be donated unwrapped. DFACS also needs a secure building to house the Secret Santa gifts. For more information, please call Lou Fowler at (770) 720-3610. DFACS also is always in need of Foster Parents. The rewards are tremendous in helping a child in need. The next meeting for those interested in becoming a Foster Parent is January 8. For more information on the Foster Parent Program, please call Pat Gayle at (770) 720-3610.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Reserve will sponsor its Annual Christmas Joy Program. The Unit will provide a "store" where parents can pick out toys for their children. Older children will be able to participate in the "Shop with a Cop" program through the Reserve Unit. To apply for the Christmas Joy Program, please call (770) 479-0502. To make a donation for the Christmas Joy program, please send it to: Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit, c/o Ginny Soper, 150 Chattin Drive, Canton, GA 30115.

The Cherokee County Senior Services is presenting its Annual Adopt a Senior Program. By donating a few simple and inexpensive items, it makes a big difference in a Senior's life. Volunteers will be matched to a Senior and a wish list will be provided. Some of the items needed include nonperishable foods such as single servings of fruits, vegetables and meats. They also need toiletries, blankets, robes, slippers, etc. To adopt a Senior, please contact Sharon Smith at (770) 704-2320. For information on all the services available to Seniors in Cherokee County, please call Olene Darby at (770) 345-5312.