Holiday Help
Many groups, businesses and agencies are collecting monetary donations and gifts for people of all ages.
Below is a list of some organizations seeking help this winter.
Adopt a resident at ConcordiaJEFFERSON TWP — Every Christmas, Concordia Lutheran Ministries strives to give at least one gift to each of the more than 400 residents in the Lund and Oertel care centers, where gifts will be distributed at a Dec. 21 party.Those interested in donating gifts or adopting a resident should call the Concordia activities department at 724-352-1571, Ext. 8241, Ext. 8302 or Ext. 8245 by Dec. 17. Gift suggestions are available.Donated items should not be wrapped and may be dropped off at the Lund Care Center, entrance #4, or at a nurse's station if the administration area is closed.Monetary contributions may be sent to the Concordia Development Office, 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, PA 16023.Call 724-352-1571, Ext. 8363, for more information.
Big Brothers Big SistersBig Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County hosts events and activities for children and their mentors.The agency is accepting monetary donations to continue program activities.For information, call program director Corinne Coulson at 724-287-4733.
Butler County Emergency Relief FundWith winter weather approaching, the Butler County Emergency Relief Fund needs monetary donations to help pay for utilities of those in need.Contributions can be made to Butler County Emergency Relief Initiative c/o United Way of Butler County, 184 Pittsburgh Road, Butler, PA 16001.The group also is looking for security-trained volunteers to staff shelters and volunteers to help a caseworker who deals with the homeless. Training is provided to groups who want to mentor families just getting back on their feet or for those who want to provide assistance to caseworkers with families.
Caring AngelsThe Caring Angel Program is a holiday fundraising program that benefits Butler Health System's children's services.The community-supported effort raises nearly $80,000 annually to provide support to children, youths and their families in Butler County.Contributions may be sent to the Butler Health System Foundation, One Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001.For information, call 724-284-4716.
Catholic CharitiesCatholic Charities assists 350 to 450 young people each season through its Angel Tree program.The organization provides donors with a child's name, age, gender and wish list.Churches and civic groups often have a live tree trimmed with potential recipients' names, and many donations come from private individuals.Between 30 and 40 families typically benefit from Adopt A Family, which operates in much the same way.Toys, clothing, holiday meal ingredients, gift cards and monetary donations are accepted.To give, call 724-287-4011, visit www.ccpgh.org or mail/drop off donations to 120 W. New Castle St., Butler, PA 16001. Write “Butler Christmas” in the memo line.
Community Care ConnectionsCommunity Care Connections provides services to about 750 people in Butler County who are mentally or physically handicapped. It hosts a Caring Tree to fulfill the holiday wish lists of more than 50 families. Gifts for special- needs children and adults also are accepted.Personal care items, paper products and cleaning supplies are needed.For information, call 724-283-3198 or visit www.community-careconnect.org.
Glade Run Lutheran ServicesGlade Run Lutheran Services provides Christmas gifts to more than 2,000 children and families each holiday season. The greatest need is gifts for adolescents and young adults.Gift cards and volunteer hours are also appreciated.For information, call 724-452-4453, Ext. 1277, visit www.gladerun.org or e-mail cmartingladerun.org.
Harmony Museum Giving TreeHARMONY — The Giving Tree at the Harmony Museum is a live Christmas tree trimmed by individuals, families and businesses who make tax-deductible donations supporting museum improvements and activities.Each $10 gift designated to Historic Harmony places an ornament bearing the donor's name on the tree in the garden next to the museum's Mercer Street entrance.Donations may be sent to Giving Tree, Historic Harmony, Box 524, Harmony, PA 16037.
LifestepsBUTLER TWP — Lifesteps, in collaboration with the Child Development classes from the Butler Senior High School, hosts a Spirit Tree that serves 75 to 100 children each year.Wish lists are provided to donors, and there is a special need for gifts for teenagers.Lifesteps serves children up to age 18 and individuals with special needs of all ages.For information, call 724-283-1010 or visit www.lifesteps.net.
Lighthouse FoundationMIDDLESEX TWP — The Lighthouse Foundation coordinates a toy drive that benefits families served by its food bank.The program accepts gifts for newborns through 16 years old. It also accepts food and monetary donations for its food bank, which serves about 300 families.For information, call 724-898-4673 or visit www.thelighthouseonline.net.
Lizzy's BikesLizzy's Bikes provides bicycles to disadvantaged children.More than 100 bicycles and tricycles are available for children ages 2 to 12 whose families are economically unable to provide a bike.There are no income limits, but potential recipients must fill out an application and release form at www.lizzysbikes.com or call 724-779-4364 to request an application.Monetary donations can be sent to Kiwanis/Lizzy's Bikes, 103 Hillvue Drive, Mars, PA, 16046. Checks can be made out to Kiwanis Club/Lizzy's Bikes.Bicycle donations can be dropped off at Calcara's Barber Shop, 137 Grand Ave., Mars.
Operation ReindeerThe Mental Health Association of Butler County raises money and collects items for patients at the Torrance State Hospital through Operation Reindeer.The MHA is accepting gifts and financial contributions, which can be delivered to its offices at 140 N. Elm St. Items must be delivered by Dec. 12.Gift suggestions are available.Those wishing to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 15 at the hospital will assemble at 10 a.m. in the MHA parking lot. The bus will return at 5 p.m.To reserve a spot or for more information, call 724-287-1965.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Community CenterThe Paul Laurence Dunbar Community Center hosts an annual Christmas party where donated gifts are distributed. New and gently used items are accepted.A Christmas “Common Shop” will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 to Dec. 21 where families can browse and select items at no cost.Families unable to attend at that time can call 724-287-5648 to arrange a better time.
Presents for PatientsPresents for Patients is a holiday program founded in 1984 by St. Barnabas President William Day.The community can participate by adopting patients and visiting them during the holiday season.The campaign matches interested donors with a patient at a nearby nursing facility. Donors are then sent their patient's information, including his or her three gift wishes.Donors are asked to purchase at least one of the items. Some also will donate money for a teddy bear or throw. Volunteer hours at the headquarters are also appreciated.For more information, call 724-443-0011 or visit www.PresentsforPatients.com.
Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army coordinates an Adopt a Family program, a Treasures for Children program for those from birth to age 12 and Treasures for Seniors for those older than 65.Those interested may call the office to sponsor a specific individual or donate general items such as board games, clothing or fruit baskets that often appear on wish lists.About 350 family applications are accepted, which can include between 600 and 900 children.Donations are accepted until Dec. 15.For information, call 724-287-5532.
St. Vincent de PaulThe St. Vincent DePaul Society serves about 2,200 people monthly with its food bank and close to 86 families through its client services office, which provides utilities assistance, clothing vouchers and some rental assistance.To donate, call 724-431-2842 or visit the office at 146 N. Monroe St.
Toys for TotsToys for Tots serves more than 2,000 children each year in Butler County and neighboring areas.The program accepts gifts for children 12 and younger. The greatest need is for gifts for adolescents.Gifts can be dropped off at donation sites throughout Butler County until Dec. 9.For information, call 724-841-0431 or visit www.butlerpatoysfortots.org.
VOICeThe Victim Outreach Intervention Center, or VOICe, serves all active clients during the holiday season and hosts an Adopt a Family program.Gifts for children and adults can be donated through Dec. 12.For more information, call 724-776-5910 or visit www.voiceforvictims.com.Organizations not listed that wish to be included in next year's gift drive listing can send information by next November 2013 to focus@butlereagle.com. For more information, call 724-282-8000, Ext. 253.
