Cliff Buchan
News Editor

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, volunteers at Community Helping Hand are making preparations for the season of giving and seeking more help.

New manager Rose Branville says as many as 75 area families could be in line for holiday help this year. Thatís the total that received help last year, she said.

But until those families come forward and express a need, local volunteers wonít know, she says.

With staff now making preparations for its Thanksgiving and Christmas programs, area residents in need must take steps to register. Residents of ISD 831 have until Friday, Nov. 4 to contact Community Helping Hand, 408 SW 15th St. (651-464-8150) for assistance.

ìIf people say they need help, we try to help them,î Branville said. She joined Community Helping Hand on Aug. 29.

The Stacy woman logged 10 years of work with the American Red Cross prior to accepting her new post in Forest Lake.

The Thanksgiving program consists of a complete holiday meal, from a frozen turkey to all the fixings. Thanksgiving dinners will be distributed on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 9 to noon.

The Christmas program consists of the holiday meal plus Christmas gifts for school-age children up to age 18, Branville says.

Along with the sign up for the Thanksgiving program, area residents may also get on the list for Christmas at this time, too, Branville said.

Other needs

The holiday season programs are just two of the events that fill the time for the staff at Community Helping Hand.

Branville says permanent volunteers to work shifts at the local food bank and thrift store, plus work on the holiday programs, are in need now. Volunteers can call 464-8150 for more information.

Sponsoring the holiday programs and other on-going activities does not come without a cost, Branville says.

The Helping Hand food pantry is used for emergency food donations to area residents. The store also helps out in other areas, she says.

In September, Branville said, Helping Hand assisted nine residents with gasoline for vehicles, helped four residents with rent payments, assisted four people with energy bills, provided school supplies and clothes to four families and paid medical bills for one resident.

The financial commitment for expenses topped $2300 for the month, Branville said.

Community Helping Hand exists with donations from individuals, businesses and organizations, plus proceeds from retail sales generated by the thrift shop. Donations to the thrift shop, including used clothing in good condition, are always welcome, she said. No furniture please, she added.

Donations to the food shelf are always welcome, too, she says.

Students at Southwest and Century junior high schools are planning food drives for Helping Hand during November and December.

Individual donations can be made directly at the Helping Hand store during regular hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605