The Giving Season

Christmas Clearing House at Interfaith Ministries has taken several forms since the days of its inception when the ladies of a non-denominational bible study decided to put together food baskets for the underprivileged families of Calhoun County at Christmas over 50 years ago. Since that time, how and specifically what type of assistance provided has evolved but the mission remained- Bringing God’s People Together to Help God’s People in Need.

This year we decided to do something different. In order to make a more direct connection to the individuals we serve, Interfaith is deepening the collaboration we have with the Salvation Army and their Angel Tree Program.

For the past several years, Interfaith Ministries and the Salvation Army have accepted applications for assistance in a joint venture with the Salvation Army. We would then divide the families between our agencies and provide assistance to our selected families.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides donors with a list of clothing items with sizes and toy suggestions for “Angels” up to age 12.The Salvation Army protocols do not permit them to provide for children aged 13 to 17.Interfaith Ministries will “adopt” these older angels as well as a portion of the younger angels. Historically, we have served over 350 children per year through our Christmas Clearing House Program and want to continue this level of service.

How can you participate in Christmas Clearing House this year?

• You can elect to adopt one, two or a whole family of Angels and shop to fulfil their requests.
• You can donate funds as you always have and Interfaith Ministries will have a volunteer shopper fulfil the requests of Angels on your behalf.

We hope these changes in the Christmas Clearing House process will bring the donor and the people receiving the donations closer in the spirit of the season and help fill the needs of our clients.