As a member of the board of directors for Combined Community Services, I am privileged to work with a staff that is dedicated to helping neighbors in need. As hard as the staff works and as dedicated as they are, the services we provide are only possible due to the generous support of the community we serve.
Adopt-a-Family is a Christmas assistance program that is coordinated by Combined Community Services. Together with the community, we provide children with gifts and a holiday meal for families. The program is open to Kosciusko County residents with infants and children up to the age of 14. Families with a child in high school, who also have younger children in the home, are also eligible for the program. To avoid duplicated services, Combined Community Services coordinates applicant information with other county agencies, churches and schools.
Most children and families do not ask for expensive toys and gifts. Many simply ask for items we take for granted, like warm coats, boots, pajamas or socks.
Once again, the number of children and families in need was greater this year than in previous years. However, we were blessed by the number of people and families offering assistance, for their numbers were also greater this year.
Due to the generous support of individuals, families, and businesses throughout our county, more than 2,000 children and 500 families received the gifts of Christmas through Adopt-A-Family.
And so it is with gratitude and humility that the staff and board of directors for Combined Community Services wishes to thank our community members. Without your generous spirit, these gifts would not be possible.
To borrow a phrase from Francis Pharcellus Church, "Yes, Kosciusko County, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy."
