Assistance is needed

Editor:

The Family Support Council of Douglas County would like to thank all the individuals, families and businesses who helped with this year's first Christmas Story Book to assist local families with basic needs through the holidays. Our Story Book was a book full of stories of local families who are clients at any one of our local service agencies (Douglas Mental Health, CASA, juvenile probation, social services), but also families referred by teachers and school counselors who had specific needs: Utilities being shut off; transportation issues; help with food and gas during the holidays, etc.

We helped more than 30 families and more than 60 children with gift cards for groceries and gas, with help in paying utility bills, car repair bills and also with fun items such as dinners, swim passes, games and movie passes ... all things that families could enjoy together during the holidays.

Our families were overwhelmed by the generosity they received. They were able to feel a sense of hope for a great year to come, rather than a feeling of desperation about how to pay the bills and also have a nice Christmas for their family. Our agency could not have done this without the support and enthusiasm of our Douglas County community.

We have one client remaining who was referred to us from another agency, and who is in desperate need to have her car repaired. If anyone in the community would like to assist her, please contact our office for more information at 782-8692.

Thank you again, and remember that families come to us for assistance 12 months out of the year. You can make a difference by making a cash donation, purchasing gift cards to help families with gas, groceries and utilities, bringing in your used cell phone and volunteering at our office on our 24-hour crisis line and at our thrift shop, Hidden Treasures on Pep Circle. Everyone can make a difference.

Happy New Year!

Kelli Johnson

Executive director

Family Support Council