Social Services Seeking Donors to Support Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance Programs
By: Orange County Communications Department
The holidays are approaching and the Orange County Department of Social Services (OCDSS) is partnering with local non - profits, organizations, faith groups, businesses, and private donors to help our neighbors in need fully experience the joy of the season. Through their Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance programs, those interested can support others by donating funds, providing a meal, or by purchasing and delivering a gift for an elderly/disabled adult. Regardless of program, those wishing to provide support should begin by completing a Holiday Program Assistance Program Form to help OCDSS plan appropriately. For Thanksgiving, interested groups, families, or individuals can either donate funds or purchase a full meal. A $35 donation allows Orange County Social Services to purchase a meal for a family in need. Donations should be made by cash or check (made to “ Orange County Department of Social Services ”) and delivered to the office at 146 North Madison Road, Suite 201, Orange, VA. If mailing the donation, please mail to the attention of Tabatha Rhoades. Do not mail cash. Those wishing to purchase the individual items necessary for a meal should plan for a family of four to six people and include at least the following:
1 - frozen turkey or ham 1 - 5lb bag of potatoes 4 - small or 2 large cans of green beans
1 - large container chicken stock 1 - package of rolls 1 - packet of gravy mix 2 - large boxes of mac and cheese 1 - pie/cake
1 - set of salt and pepper 1 - box/bag stuffing mix
Completed meals should be delivered to Orange Assembly of God Church at 12386 James Madison Highway Orange, VA, on November 22, between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. The Christmas Assistance Program connects interested gift donors with elderly or disabled adults in need. After signing up, OCDSS will provide donors with a “ wish list ” containing desired items provided by the adopted individual. That ’ s where the fun begins!
Participants shop for their adoptee according to the list, wrap the items, and deliver them directly to their adopted individual between December 9 and 14, 2024. For reference, adopters typically spend around $50 on gifts. These programs are only possible thanks to generous community members. Please note that this Christmas Assistance Program is for elderly/disabled adults only. For children ’ s gift donations, please contact the Orange County Children ’ s Toy Box at (540) 661 - 2263. Questions about OCDSS holiday assistance programs should be directed to Tabatha Rhoades at (540) 672 - 6166.
Page 3 | October 2024
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