CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Department of Human Resources (DHR) is asking the community to help provide Christmas gifts and necessities for about 150 children in foster care and approximately 100 local families facing financial hardship.
“There are kids and families right here in Cullman who need your help,” Cullman County DHR Director Amy Smith said.
The families include parents who are struggling financially and grandparents raising grandchildren on fixed incomes, Smith said.
DHR is seeking help from individuals, families, businesses, churches, civic clubs and other organizations to meet those needs before Christmas.
Donors may request the wish list of a specific child, family or sibling group. Smith suggested sponsoring a child in honor of a loved one who may not need another traditional gift.
“Provide Santa gifts for a kiddo in honor of your loved one,” she said.
Families can also choose to provide Christmas for another household or sibling group in place of exchanging gifts with one another.
Donations may include toys and other gifts as well as groceries or ingredients for a holiday meal, hygiene products and other necessities.
Organizations and civic groups may collect items or donate money or gift cards in place of holding a traditional gift exchange.
Those who want to fulfill the wish list of a specific child or family should call Cullman County DHR at 256-737-5300 and ask for Tumika Noblett.
Donors who do not request a specific wish list may purchase toys or other items for DHR to distribute wherever the need is greatest.
Those donations may be delivered to the Cullman County DHR office, 1220 St. Joseph St. NW in Cullman, through the week before Christmas. The office lists hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Smith said delivering items by that week will give DHR staff enough time to get the gifts to children and families before Christmas.
Community members who cannot donate can still help by sharing the request with others.
