Make the holidays a time of joy for families in need

More than 200 families in this community had a Christmas last year they wouldn’t have had otherwise thanks to Santa’s Sharing, a holiday donation program that matches sponsors (“Santas”) directly with families and seniors in need in Douglas and Elbert counties.

Santa’s Sharing is possible only through the generosity of people willing to provide the resources necessary to make the holiday possible for those less fortunate.

“Each year our program grows larger as the need escalates in the counties we serve. We expect to serve a record number of families and seniors this year with fewer sponsors because of the economy,” said Suzanne Greene, executive director of the Douglas/Elbert Task Force.

Among the ways to participate:

Direct Sponsorship: You request the size family or number of families you would like to sponsor. The task force matches you with the family or families and provides you with a “wish list.” You deliver directly to your sponsored family.

Indirect Sponsorship: This is a cash or gift card program for those who don’t have time to shop but want to help, and is especially helpful for families with older children or seniors. The task force gives you their wish list, and you determine how much you want to spend based on that list. You purchase one or more large gift cards from a super store such as Target (a store that carries food, clothing and toys).

Toy Chest (a list can be provided): For families who cannot be directly sponsored, the task force collects new, unwrapped gifts for the Toy Chest. Gifts should not be wrapped. Volunteers select gifts for the children and present parents with gift cards. Gift wrap, ribbon and tape are needed. Toys should be delivered no later than Dec. 11 so that the gifts can be wrapped for families to pick up before Dec. 20. Excess toys donated to the Toy Chest supply clients’ children with birthday gifts throughout the following year.

Cash donations and gift cards are especially welcomed. These are combined with gifts from the Toy Chest for a family. Cards are particularly helpful for families with teens or seniors. Cards should be delivered to the task force before Dec. 11.

“While we usually have enough toys and gifts for young children, gifts for families with teens are usually slim,” she said.

Santa’s Sharing is a source of happiness, joy and satisfaction for all involved and, with the help of the community, it is always a huge success. To sponsor a family, for more information or an informational brochure contact Nani Lindig at Nani1674@aol.com (subject line: Santa) or Kathy D’Amore at 303-688-1114 or kathydamore@qwest.net (subject line: Santa).

Rutherford earns second term on Rescue board

Denice Rutherford, of Elizabeth, was elected to her second term to the board of directors of the Pueblo Collie/Sheltie Rescue. She also serves as the foster committee chair.

The Pueblo Collie/Sheltie Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) run solely by volunteers. It rescues, rehabilitates and places lost, abused and abandoned collies, collie-mixes, shelties and sheltie-mixes in loving, responsible homes. Dogs from all over Colorado, as well as Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, Wyoming, the Dakotas and New Mexico are helped. The rescue is celebrating 30 years of service.