With the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons just up ahead, many are looking for opportunities to help others and to feel a part of the true spirit of the holidays.
Clermont Cares is an avenue to help those who would not have a Christmas otherwise. They partner with the North Georgia Food Bank and other area organizations to identify and bless families with special needs children.
They are asking for your help in the donation of gift cards, non-perishable food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and toys.
Many people do not realize that EBT (the electronic transfer program that allows Supplemental Assistance) does not cover such things as toothpaste, cleaning supplies, and diapers. These are such important items in any home, but any gift is appreciated and welcomed.
Families in need
“We have identified five families so far,” Sandra Cantrell of the Clermont Historical Society said.
“A few individuals help us to identify families who need extra help during the holidays.”
Family #1 has six children. They lost their father last summer, who was the income producer.
Mom stayed home to care for the children and is now trying to navigate how to work while raising six children. The family has four boys, ages 9, 6, 5, and 4, and two girls, ages 8 and 3.
Family #2 is a single mom with three boys, ages 9, 6, and 4.
Family #3 is a single mom with two boys, ages 9 (almost) and 5.
Family #4 is a grandmother raising two children, a boy, 9, and a girl.
Family #5 is a single mom with a boy, age 9.
How you can help
The focus is on families who have special needs children.
“I remember a Christmas a few years ago, a grandmother was raising her grandchildren. And she needed help. She had lost her husband a few months before we heard about her,” Cantrell reminisced.
“It has always amazed me how people will bring the right gifts for the right family, and it’s obvious God has His hand in it. We were able to supply her with all that she needed without even asking for anything. It had already been given.”
Cantrell told another story of a handicapped adult who wanted a bicycle but it needed to have training wheels. We had no idea where we could get such a bike and Habersham Bicycle came through for us. “It made our Christmas and the generosity of Habersham Bicycle is always remembered.”
Bushels of Blessings
Tuesday, November 19 at 6 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Center, 639 Main Street, Clermont Cares is hosting a dinner. It is being held to celebrate these families.
The dinner is called Bushels of Blessings and it has been the official kick-off for Clermont Cares for the past 7 years.
Bring your gifts and a side dish or dessert. Ham is provided. RSVP by calling, texting, or emailing Sandra at 678-300-5206 if you would like to attend. This will be the first collection for these special families.
If you are unable to attend the dinner, you can drop off donations at The Clermont DIP Library & History Center and Clermont Town Hall located at 109 King Street, Clermont, GA.
