WWISCAA’s annual Family Wish Tree Program is still soliciting sponsors to help support disadvantaged families during the holiday season by purchasing clothes and other wish list items the family desires for Christmas.
For the fourth year in a row, the agency is endeavoring to meet its ultimate goal to supply new toys and clothing to eligible children whose ages range from infancy to 17 years old during the holiday season.
The deadline to purchase gifts and return them to WWISCAA’s intake office located at 1165 S. Raceway Road is Friday as the agency will be responsible for ensuring families receive them.
“Christmas trees have been placed in all county intake offices and as clients are deemed eligible, they will indicate what their children need by size, etc.,” said WWISCAA Executive Director Jannis Williams.
Stars will then be put on the tree with the requested info and individuals and/or groups can pick a star or stars from the tree and purchase the items they wish to purchase for that individual or family.
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 the Washington County intake office at 662-378-8663 for an appointment and instructions.
While applying for the Family Wish Tree Programs, households 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)
“We have had great participation in the past,” Williams highlighted. “WWISCAA’s staff are also encouraged to sponsor a child.”
In addition, WWISCAA takes pictures of sponsors donating items and each year a “Thank You” ad is published listing the sponsors by county and name.
Individuals who want to help or assist can do so in four ways:
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.
