Helping for the Holidays

As Charles Dickens famously wrote, “it is at Christmastime that want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices.” Thanks to generous donations to unrestricted funds throughout the year, the Marietta Community Foundation was able to help make a difference for community members in need this holiday season.

“Although need is felt all year long, it is often magnified during the holidays,” said Captain Aaron Moore of the Salvation Army. “When people are in the giving spirit, the need is amplified for those who aren’t able to be quite as generous.”

Each Christmas, millions of children go without Christmas gifts because their parents cannot afford them. Financial and emotional stress dampen Christmas cheer for those living in poverty. Through the Angel Tree Program, the Salvation Army helps put new clothes and toys under the tree for 1 million children every year, making spirits a little brighter.

This year, the Marietta Community Foundation hosted an Angel Tree in the office with tags for ten local children. The Foundation was pleased to say all ten children were thoughtfully shopped for, thanks to a local merchant, the Foundation staff and Board, and unrestricted funding.

In addition to the Angel Tree Program, our local Salvation Army also assists families by giving food vouchers. The Foundation was able to help fund the remaining vouchers for $2,000, to assist 111 local families.

“The blessings we receive from the community in order to be able to give back are in abundance,” said Captain Moore. “It is truly a blessing to witness the generosity of the folks from Washington County.”

Oftentimes, especially during the colder months, many need help to simply keep the lights on and the heat running. The Caring Connection is a not-for-profit organization that provides direct delivery of basic human services to those in need in Washington County. The Foundation was able to donate $2,000 to Caring Connection to help cover utility disconnection notices and deposits for electric, natural gas and propane, and water.

“Never before have we seen so many shut off notices in our region,” said Executive Director, Jim Tilley. “We are grateful to be able to offer much needed help, especially during this time of year.”

It is through donations to unrestricted funds that the Foundation is able to give back in this way over the holidays. To help continue to make a difference in our community, consider making a donation today.