has opened its seasonal office to serve children in need in Waukesha County for the 2012 holiday season. CCC is seeking businesses, organizations, clubs, schools, families and individuals to sponsor struggling families who are unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children. The organization also announced its receipt in August of a $2,000 grant from the Wisconsin Energy Foundation.
CCC started matching families, organizations and individuals with children of families in need on Oct. 15. Sponsors may support a single child or a multi-child household. Children of all ages are in need of sponsors, particularly infants,
toddlers and teenagers. Interpreters are available for those who are willing to
sponsor a Spanish-speaking family.
Sponsorship involves purchasing toys or clothing in the amount of $60 per child. Those interested in sponsoring a family must contact CCC by Dec. 11. Sponsors should make arrangements to deliver their gifts of Christmas toys or clothing personally by Dec. 12.
Interested sponsors are encouraged to call 262-549-NOEL (6635). CCC will accept calls Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Beginning Nov. 12, the CCC office will also take calls Monday evenings from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Families who are not matched with sponsors through the program are invited to come to the CCC Toy Shop to select community-donated gifts and clothing items for their children.
In August of this year CCC was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Wisconsin Energy Foundation. The grant will be used to purchase gift cards for unsponsored teens, a particular need cited by CCC.
“The majority of our donated gifts are toys and clothing items for younger children. As a result, we have a need to provide for older children and teens who truly appreciate receiving gift cards. "We’re grateful for the Wisconsin Energy Foundation’s generosity in helping us fulfill this significant need,” said Ruth Page Jones, CCC’s executive director.
CCC offers several ways for the community to help the organization fulfill its mission, including sponsoring a child or family; donating new, unwrapped toys or hats, mittens and scarves at any of the CCC toy sites (from Nov. 1 to Dec. 12) or directly donating money or gift cards. Groups are also encouraged to initiate service projects to raise money or collect toys. A complete list of CCC community toy sites, as well as wish list items of particular need, can be found on the CCC Web site. Those interested in learning more about CCC and ways to support its mission are encouraged to call 262-549-6635, visit www.christmasclearingcouncil.org or look for CCC on Facebook and Twitter.
About Christmas Clearing Council
In existence for 63 years, the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County is a nonprofit group that matches needy families with individuals and groups who want to help on a person-to-person basis during the holiday season. Families who are not matched with sponsors are invited to CCC's annual Toy Shop, stocked with donated items, to shop for their children. In 2011 more than 4,500 Waukesha County children from more than 1,900 families experienced the joy of the holiday season because of the efforts of CCC and its volunteers, donors and sponsors. CCC was awarded “Small Non-Profit of the Year” in 2011 by the Waukesha County Executive’s office.
About Wisconsin Energy Foundation
Since 1982, the Wisconsin Energy Foundation has contributed financial support for the activities of nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in communities that are served by Wisconsin Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries. The foundation is funded by Wisconsin Energy shareholders.
