FISH/Catholic Charities Christmas for Kids Christmas Store Applications

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Published on November 1 2012 2:08 pm
Last Updated on July 14 2013 12:07 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Beginning today, Effingham County families who have restricted incomes with which to purchase Christmas toys for their children may request applications for invitations to shop, without charge, at the FISH/Catholic Charities "Christmas for Kids" Christmas Store.  The store will be set up in the former Rural King space in Village Square Mall on South Banker in Effingham.

Applications will be available from now through November 22 at these locations: FISH Service Center at 708 S. Linden; Illinois Public Aid Office at 925 E. Fayette; Heartland Human Services at 1200 N. 4th Street; Catholic Charities on East Route 40; Effingham County Senior Center at 209 S. Merchant; and Effingham County Health Department at 901 W. Virginia.

It is requested that all applications be postmarked no later than November 22.

FISH and Catholic Charities representatives want to remind potential clients that in order to be eligible to shop at the Christmas Store they may not use any other agency, business or group for the same type of help.

Senior citizens and disabled individuals who would like to receive a special food package must also complete an application that is available at the above locations.  Delivery is available for these individuals upon request.

The invitations will specify the day and hour that parents may go to the Store to select a new toy and several good used toys for each eligible child.  Appointments will be scheduled so parents can take their time selecting just the right toys.  Provision must be made for the care of children while parents shop.  Children may not accompany parents to their shopping appointment.

FISH is an interfaith volunteer movement whose purpose is to provide assistance to people in need in Effingham County.  The Christmas Store is one of a number of services offered by FISH.  To volunteer or for information on any of those services, dial the FISH Hotline at 217-342-2200 or write to: FISH, PO Box 473, Effingham, IL 62401.

For information about Catholic Charities, phone 217-857-1458.