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FRZ.RAIN Temp: 30 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Sunday, December 1, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend November 18, 2002 Agencies prepare for season of giving Community Works encourages donors to consider gift certificates By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune Thanksgiving is more than a week away, but for area social service agencies, the 2002 holiday season already is in full swing. Workers who match people in need with people who have the resources and desire to give are preparing for the annual onslaught of demand — and generosity. Last year, more than 4,000 area residents received food, toys or other services, organizers said. That number could top 5,000 this year, according to preliminary estimates from the Medford Salvation Army. This year, several agencies, will again collaborate to ensure smooth and unduplicated service. At Community Works of Medford, staffers are encouraging donors to consider giving gift certificates instead of shopping for specific items for the annual Adopt A Family program. "The theme is making it easy for donors to give," said Ed Roussell, development director. "It’s a new face of giving, if you will." Last year, the program served some 60 families. This year, the goal is 75. Staff case workers who know the clients will use the gift certificates to find things that are tailored to their specific needs — color, size, preference, Roussell said. The agency particularly encourages donations of gift cards or certificates from stores that offer food and household goods to provide the widest selection. The shift from specific deliveries to donations of certificates or cash directed to the Adopt A Family program will also take some holiday pressure from agency workers. "Every year, we have people racing around," Roussell said. "Part of the problem was last-minute donors." People who still want the tangible pleasure of picking and wrapping gifts are welcome to do so, he added. For information about Community Works’ Adopt A Family program, contact Liz Cara at 779-2393, extension 218. Following is a list of other holiday efforts planned by several Jackson County area agencies: Thanksgiving meals: A traditional holiday meal will be served by community volunteers at the Salvation Army shelter on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Call 772-8149 for information. A holiday meal will be served at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 at the Medford Gospel Mission, 125 W. Jackson St. Contact Bill Gourley at 779-1597. Thanksgiving food boxes: More than 1,000 food boxes are expected to be distributed over three days from Nov. 25 to 27 at the Salvation Army. Food box applications will be taken from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through Friday at 922 N. Central Ave. Contact Rhonda Lund, 773-6965. Christmas donations: Contact these agencies and contacts for information about donations or volunteering : Community Works, Liz Cara; Dale’s Christmas Helping Hands, Dale Kenyon, (541) 850-9675; Medford Gospel Mission, Bill Gourley; Rogue Family Center, Diana Escobedo or Terri Baldridge, 864- 8760; The Salvation Army, Capt. Lisa Van Cleef. The Salvation Army will accept applications for toys from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 22. Christmas gifts for seniors: ACCESS Inc. will deliver Senior Shoe Boxes, small packages of gifts tailored for the needs of elderly clients. Donations and volunteers are needed. Contact Lonelle Stevens at 774-4308. Christmas meals: A traditional holiday meal will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the Medford Gospel Mission and at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25, at St. Vincent de Paul, 2424 N. Pacific Highway, Medford. Contact Dick Handley, 772-3828. Christmas food boxes: Applications for food boxes will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 20 at the Salvation Army. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S