Helping those in need has long been a theme elicited by the work of the Washington Warren Issaquena Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA) since its inception.
WWISCAA recognizes that this year, due to the impacts of COVID-19, more families in its participating communities will likely be in need of assistance this holiday season and well into 2021.
For the third year in a row, WWISCAA aims to make the days merry and bright for those who need assistance by way of its Family Wish Tree Program which will begin accepting applications on Monday, Nov. 9 until Dec. 11.
“Back in October of 2018, we got word that the Salvation Army was leaving the area and we were concerned for those people who have relied upon them for their angel tree,” Jannis Williams, executive director for WWISCAA, said.
The ultimate goal of the Family Wish Tree Program is to supply new toys and clothing to eligible children whose ages range from infancy to 17 years old during the holiday season.
Families who are qualified to participate in the program are required to submit an application for assistance following agency established guidelines for eligibility.
Williams said that she and the agency did not want the clients to suffer because The Salvation Army left.
For those who are familiar with the Family Wish Tree Program process, very little has changed.
Out of an abundance of caution, WWISCAA agents will be retrieving documentation from clients outside of the office as opposed to meeting with clients inside.
Williams shared that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she anticipates the number of families who will need assistance is going to increase.
“And probably some of the donors who participated last year — if they have been affected by COVID-19 they won’t be able to participate,” Williams surmised.
The agency’s hope is to reach a wider range of persons to be potential donors as it has several families who have been impacted by COVID-19.
The Family Wish Tree Program has been quite successful in the past Williams pointed out.
“We’ve advertised so that people can see who has participated,” she said. “We have some people who call us because they are interested and we’ve even had sororities who take on at least 20 kids.”
Williams also highlighted participation from local churches, but with so many still being closed due to COVID-19, the agency can’t rely on them seeing the usual notices about the Family Wish Tree Program.
The agency does, however, feel confident word will get around about the growing number of children and families in need of assistance.
“We’re trying to keep all the programs that we’ve been doing and also make sure the community knows we do have some CARES funds that have been designated for eligible clients by income,” Williams said, emphasizing the importance of eligibility.
She added that if those persons whose income has been affected by COVID-19 would call the agency and schedule an appointment to see if they are eligible for its services, there is plenty of utility assistance money or rent or mortgage funds.
Those individuals simply must be able to show they’ve been affected by COVID-19.
“In the past, donors have done an excellent job and we’re looking forward to having that same thing. And, we want other persons to recommend being a donor,” Williams said. “A lot of things you take for granted if you haven’t been affected. If you haven’t been affected by things, you don’t pay a whole lot of attention.”
WWISCAA will work directly with families in the community to identify their children’s specific needs, gather information on each child in the family, including their special interests, clothing sizes and wishes for holiday gifts.
Interested persons must call for an appointment and instructions.
Family Wish Trees will be displayed in all agency intake offices service areas through Dec. 11, 2020.
While applying for the Family Wish Tree Programs, households whose incomes has been directly affected by the pandemic, will also be assessed to determine what other services they may benefit from.
WWISCAA office hours are from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The agency stresses the importance of calling for an appointment as it is still closed and not receiving “in-office” appointments.
Families must bring the following records with them to their appointments:
* A valid photo identification card for the application (U.S. Driver’s license, U.S. Passport, State Issued Non-Drivers ID);
* Social Security Cards for all household members;
* Proof of all Household income (award letters from Social Security and/or SSI, Child Support, Retirement, Unemployment, Wages check stubs — last 30 days, etc.); and
* Proof of Residence (Utility bill, lease agreements, mortgage letter).
Individuals who want to help or assist can do so in four ways, like being a donor, making a monetary donation, being a volunteer and adopting a child or family for the holidays.
Be a donor: Organizations or individuals interested in becoming a Family Wish Tree Door should contact the WWISCAA Intake Office in his or her county.
Make a monetary donation: Making a monetary donation to the Family Wish Tree Program will allow the agency to purchase more gifts and serve more individuals. Donations should be made payable to WWISCAA, Inc. and mailed or delivered to the Administration Office at 1538 Old Leland Road, Greenville, MS 38701.
Be a volunteer: Help sort, wrap and prepare wishes for distribution to families.
Adopt a child or family for the holidays: When you adopt a child or family, whether on your own or in partnership with others, you can purchase items on the child’s wish list to ensure they have everything he or she needs to celebrate the season, from food and gifts to clothing essentials.
The following are the WWISCAA Intake Office locations and intake times.
* The Washington County office will take applications from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-2 p.m. and is located at 1165 S. Raceway Rd., Greenville, MS. Contact Natisha Buck for an appointment at 662-378-8663.
* The Sharkey/Issaquena office will take applications from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-2 p.m. and is located at 132 Court St., Mayersville, MS. Contact Vera Brown for an appointment at 662-873-2595.
* The Warren County office will take applications from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-2 p.m. and is located at 2022 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS. Contact Reba Causey for an appointment at 601-638-2474.
* The Yazoo County office will take applications from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-2 p.m. and is located at 516 Grand St., Yazoo. Contact Shenika Young for an appointment at 662-746-1517.
