One of the area’s oldest and most beloved charities is expanding its reach at a time of greater need to spread even more holiday cheer.
As The Republic’s Mark Webber reported recently, the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund, which ensures children from families with limited means receive gifts during the holidays, has raised the age limit for children receiving assistance to 18, as long as the teen is still in school.
That could be a real gift to local families in need this year, because people are feeling stretched due to the ever-rising cost of living. Webber reported that through Nov. 28, about 100 more recipients had asked for help through the Holiday Helpline than at the same time last year, according to Volunteer Action Center director Alicia Monroe.
“If you look at Love Chapel, they are seeing more people than ever, including folks that have never asked for food before,” Monroe said. “Maybe people were doing OK with food, but now, it’s Christmas time. I think people are having to choose what they are going to spend their dollars on.”
She explained that in the past, various other local charities including Community Center of Hope Angel Tree, Shop With A Cop, St. Bartholomew Giving Tree and Toys for Tots provided gifts for teens from families with limited means. And while these charities continue to do so, this year there were more requests than available funding could provide.
“We thought that we’ve got such a big community backing that we might as well take on the kids that can’t get into another group. We want them to know they are still cared about,” Cheer Fund co-chairman Ben Noblitt said.
Columbus is blessed with a community of givers, and there are few organizations this epitomize that more than the Cheer Fund, which has been helping out at Christmas time for 93 years now.
Yet the Cheer Fund is only able to meet its mission due to the generosity of donors who realize the value of giving.
There is still a little time to make a difference for a child in need this holiday season, and for families who might need a hand this season to register for help.
“With a Dec. 8 deadline fast approaching for those seeking assistance, the two programs still accepting registrations through the Holiday Helpline are Toys For Tots and the Cheer Fund,” Monroe said. The Helpline number is 812-375-2216, and is manned weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Cheer Fund this year is only accepting new toys and monetary donations, which can be dropped off at any Columbus fire station. Donors also can mail checks to The Cheer Fund at 1101 Jackson St., Columbus, IN 47201.
Meanwhile, Toys for Tots is collecting donations of new toys at numerous area locations. To find one near you, visit the Facebook page for Toys for Tots Bartholomew County. Or, you can make a monetary donation to Toys for Tots by visiting bartholomew-county-in.toysfortots.org.
If you are able, be a cheerful giver, especially to children during the holidays. You just might find that giving is the most gratifying gift you’ll receive this season.
