| The Messenger 11.23.12 By CHRIS MENEES
Staff Reporter
With the community’s help, a Twin Cities organization wants to make Christmas merrier for some less fortunate children.
The Twin City Men’s Organization in Fulton and South Fulton is seeking to clothe 40 children from their community through a joint effort with the public.
“This year, as in many years, has left many people needing help in these tough times,” Mike Akers of the TCMO said in a letter seeking support. “The TCMO has helped many children over the years turn a sad Christmas into a joyful event.”
The children chosen to shop for new clothing during a special shopping tour will be selected by faculty at Fulton and South Fulton elementary schools. There will be 20 from each school and they will be from grades K-6.
Akers explained that school officials see the children on a daily basis and are more capable of knowing their needs.
This year’s goal for the TCMO is $8,000 — which will allow each of the 40 children to have $180 to $200 worth of clothing, purchased from Fulton’s Walmart store.
The TCMO said donations of any amount will help and will be appreciated, with a donation of $190 specifically being able to clothe one child. Donations may be sent to TCMO, P.O. Box 5052, South Fulton, TN 38257.
Wednesday is the deadline to meet the $8,000 goal, which will allow the TCMO time to adjust the number of underprivileged children to be clothed. The children will be taken to shop for clothing Dec. 15 starting at 6 a.m. at the Fulton store.
For more information about how to make a donation or how to help, call (731) 796-5187.
Prior to Christmas 2011, the community’s support resulted in 45 children being clothed.
“Last year, our goal was the same amount and, from your generous donations, we were allowed to purchase clothes for 45 children,” Akers said in the letter recently shared by the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce. “The need to do more than 40 children is still there and, with your help, we will clothe as many as possible, as we did last year.”
If the goal is met, the children will be taken to Walmart and clothed with the assistance of volunteers from the community. But if the goal is not met, the number of children will have to be reduced, according to Akers.
“The TCMO is asking for all citizens and past supporters to help reach this goal,” he said. “Our heart goes out to the children, more so at this time of year. Outreach programs such as this are the only means for some children to enjoy Christmas. The impact of helping a child is immeasurable. Your help could change one of these children for life.”
Staff Reporter Chris Menees may be contacted by email at cmenees@ ucmessenger.com. |
