Pierce County program keeps area’s needy families in mind at holidays

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In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, organizers of an annual area program are about to solicit support for those in need.

The 2009 Pierce County Gift Box Program, under the auspices of Crossroad Community Church in Ellsworth for the first time, will officially accept registration forms beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, and continuing Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Associate Pastor Rick Siedschlag and Jeanne Schoof, program organizers along with Angel Anderson, said last week the church was approached late this spring about taking over the effort and began serious planning with a meeting attended by 20 volunteers around a month ago.

“So far, we’ve had a lot of support from the local schools, Plum City and Prescott schools,” Siedschlag said Wednesday.

The registration forms to be collected from needy families will be paired with compatible sponsors, who are also asked to complete a form, according to information from the organizers. The sponsors--individuals, businesses and organizations--will purchase gifts for their families and drop them off at the church, located just east of the Hwys. 10 and 63 west intersection. The wrapped and labeled gifts should be delivered there between Dec. 10 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Read more in the print version of the Herald Oct. 28.

Tags: pierce county, local news, gift box, needy families, church, holidays