LEDGER COLUMNIST
The children need you
CODY SOSSAMON Publisher

Every year at this time I use this column to promote The Ledger's annual fundraiser, "Christmas is for Kids.' Following is basically the same one I've written for the past several years with minor changes to reflect the current effort. Last year, Ledger readers donated about $12,000 and 119 Cherokee County children were treated to shopping sprees at Wal-Mart. With your help we can match or even exceed that number this year. - Cody Sossamon

Thanksgiving has for the past 17 years been the official beginning of the fundraising effort for 'Christmas is for Kids.'

And this year is no different.

In 1989, The Gaffney Ledger began this effort to ensure that disadvantaged children would have some presents for Christmas.

That first year, 78 children were treated to a shopping spree where they chose $100 worth of toys and clothes, paid for by generous donors.

Since that time, about $10,000 has been given to the cause each year, allowing an average of 100 children to have presents to open come Christmas morning - that's about $170,000 contributed and about 1,700 kids made happy!

I've been present for every one of those shopping sprees, so I have seen firsthand how much joy your contributions bring to those in need of help for whatever reason.

The younger children are smiling from ear to ear as they show off the new clothes and shiny toys Santa made possible.

The older ones, though not quite as bubbly, express their appreciation with shy "thank-yous." Perhaps they realize that while the shopping spree is cause to celebrate, the reality of their situation isn't forgotten.

The parents of these "kids of Christmas" are often those who show the most gratitude and believe you me, they do appreciate it.

Over the years, various clubs and groups have helped the children and their parents make selections and add them up before coming through the checkout line.

The Altrusa Club for years was invaluable and for the past two years members of the Sub Deb have joined us.

"When our seniors wrote essays for our Sub Deb scholarship last spring, every girl mentioned 'Christmas Is For Kids' as a community program that really mattered to them. The girls feel really blessed and are looking forward to helping with the fundraiser again this year," Carol Gallman, a Sub Deb sponsor, told us.

They'll be helping us again this year.

In previous years, we have published pictures of the children shopping and showing off their toys but decided against doing so last year. You see, I was informed that some of the children whose pictures we put in the paper had been made fun of by their classmates.

Growing up is tough enough. Growing up poor in our materialistic society must be agonizingly rough.

The date for this year's "Christmas is for Kids" shopping spree is Saturday, Dec. 15, beginning at 7 a.m. at Wal-Mart.

The managers and associates there have always been most helpful and obliging. The company is also one of our major financial sponsors.

The children are chosen by the Department of Social Services in conjunction with the Salvation Army. We also get a list of kids from the Disabilities and Special Needs Board. Employees of these agencies volunteer to help out on the day we shop.

To be perfectly honest, there are probably a few parents who beat the system and get help when there are those who need it more.

But those are the exceptions. By and large, the children and families helped by "Christmas is for Kids" are truly in need and deeply appreciate any help they get.

As you reflect on that sumptuous Thanksgiving feast you ate a few days ago it might be inconceivable that there are children right here in Cherokee County who don't receive proper nourishment, don't wear decent clothing and don't have all the gadgets most of us take for granted.

But there are.

You can help brighten their lives just a bit during this special time of the year by giving to "Christmas is for Kids."

One hundred dollars will cover one child, but every dime helps. If you can't afford $100, give whatever you can. We've had children who brought in change they had saved and one woman on a fixed income who sent in a dollar.

One hundred percent of the money raised is used to pay for the shopping sprees. One hundred percent.

"Christmas is for Kids" is a nonprofit organization registered with the S.C. Secretary of State and your donations are tax deductible.

Send them to: Christmas is for Kids," c/o the Gaffney Ledger, P.O. Box 670, Gaffney, S.C. 29342.

If you do not want your name listed on our donor list, please indicate that.

Thank you and may God bless!

Cody Sossamon (cody@gaffneyledger.com) is publisher of The Gaffney Ledger.