by Geoff Fox
The Halloween decorations have been put away which means it’ s time to start thinking about the Christmas Season. And with that thought in mind, it’s also time to start thinking about Christmas For Others. Registration is now open and has been opened.
For 2022, there will be no distribution of bagged groceries on the distribution date at the community center.
Instead, as has been the case the last two years, those who registered for the yearly holiday assistance will receive Food Lion gift cards, Debbie Murphy said.
Families with children 12 and under will be receiving Christmas presents from sponsors in the community. All children 18 and under will receive a $35 clothing certificate from Family Dollar.
Murphy said she’ s been reaching out to previous participants for 2022 registration, but if people need assistance this year can still give her a call at 301-678-5338.
After registration, she’ll verify their information and make adjustments if there are any changes to those who previously participated.
“Any new applicants will need to come and be registered at my house,” she said.
If that is the case, Murphy said they’ d need to bring a proof of need, which could be a paystub, social security amount, or child support; and also a proof of residency, which could be an envelope with a current address.
All applicants must be a resident of Hancock with a 21750 zip code.
Distribution date for families with children picking up toys will be December 9, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hancock Community Center.
Murphy said those gifts will be bagged up together and will have an envelope inside with the clothing voucher and Food Lion gift cards.
For other recipients, gift cards will either be delivered or by contacting Murphy and picking them up at her house.
Christmas For Others has been an ongoing Christmas outreach program sponsored by the churches, businesses, civic organizations, individuals, and sometimes memorial donations in the Hancock community.
“We’re here to help meet the need,” Murphy said.
Murphy couldn’t remember how long Christmas for Others has been around, but the Murphys came in 1977 and Christmas For Others was around before they moved to Hancock.
Last year, Christmas For Others made Christmas better for 66 families and 37 singles, Murphy said.
Murphy said the registration deadline would Monday, November 21, as toys would need to be purchased ahead of time.
