Anoka County Press Release

 
COUNTY RECOGNIZES GENEROSITY OF AREA RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES DURING 2007 HOLIDAY SEASON  

COUNTY RECOGNIZES GENEROSITY OF AREA RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES DURING 2007 HOLIDAY SEASON

Generosity of area residents and businesses during the holidays was the focus of a report given last month to the Anoka County Human Service Committee.  The report summarized the unsolicited donations received by Anoka County Human Services and the number of people served during the 2007 holiday season.

Of the 1,494 people served, 771 were children, 507 were adults and 216 were senior citizens.  Included in this number are 22 immigrant/refugee families totaling about 156 individuals, who received help with basic needs such as winter clothing, gas and food gift cards.

Individuals or families were referred to the holiday programs by county staff working within several social services or public health programs. A majority of the adults in the program were employed and not necessarily receiving public assistance.

Anoka County referred 145 seniors to Granny’s Christmas Closet, a volunteer-led effort that has solicited donations for needy senior citizens in Anoka County for over 10 years. The Adopt-A-Family program served 300 families, an increase of 24 percent over last year.  Through the Giving Tree, a holiday program sponsored primarily by local businesses and churches, 253 individuals received holiday gifts.

The community response to the need was heartwarming, according to Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, chair of the county’s human services committee.

“Anoka County is fortunate to have so many caring individuals and groups who give of themselves and their resources,” Commissioner Sivarajah said. “The holiday spirit is alive and well in our communities throughout the year.”

The Human Services’ holiday report listed numerous donors.  Among them were local businesses such as PDL Biopharma, Northern Technologies, Unity & Mercy Hospitals, HOM Furniture, Kohl’s, Mate Precision Tooling, and Medtronics.  Faith communities were represented by St. Katherine Drexel, Lord of Life Lutheran, Our Savior’s Lutheran, and Family of Christ. There were also 20 county employee groups and six youth oriented groups.

The Brownie Troop #10779 of Andover received special recognition this year for their community spirit and creativity in reaching out to those in need.  A troop of about 12 girls organized a Bowl-A-Thon, where friends and family sponsored them to raise money so they could participate as donors in the Adopt-A-Family program.  The girls raised $1,087 and used that money to purchase gifts for two families, totaling 12 individuals.  

Clients come from varying backgrounds with different reasons for needing help.   Especially telling this year were the number of requests for basic items such as food, gift cards for gas stations and winter clothing for children, according to Commissioner Sivarajah.  The only item a 16 year girl requested was food for herself and her mom, who is employed full-time.  In a  thank you note to a donor, one client said that the best gift she received this holiday season was knowing that there were caring people out there who would help a stranger.

“Though we served a record number of families in the Adopt-A-Family program this year, we also saw the community step up to the plate to meet the need”, said Gayle Alexander, supervisor, Anoka County Community Resources and Volunteers Unit. “Each time we got an additional request, I was amazed at how more people would offer to help, without even being asked.  We really appreciate each and every donor who reached out this holiday season!”

Anyone wanting to help during the 2008 holiday season can call Alexander and get on a call back list for the fall. Her number is 763-422-7089.

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