Applications for Invitations to Shop the Christmas Store Available Friday

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Published on October 31 2013 12:23 pm
Last Updated on October 31 2013 12:23 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Beginning tomorrow, November 1, Effingham County families who have restricted incomes with which to purchase Christmas toys for their children may apply for an invitation to shop without charge at the FISH/Catholic Charities "Christmas for Kids" Christmas Store.  The store will be set up in the former 5th/3rd Bank building at 200 North Third in downtown Effingham beginning on December 9.

Applications will be available from November 1 through November 22 at the following locations: FISH Service Center (708 S. Linden), CEFS Outreach Office (204 W. Washington), Helen Matthes Library (100 E. Market), Heartland Human Services (1200 N. 4th), Catholic Charities (1502 E. Fayette), Effingham County Senior Center (209 S. Merchant) and Effingham County Health Department (901 W. Virginia).

All applications MUST be postmarked no later than November 22, 2013.

All information requested on the application MUST be completed or the request will not be processed.  Required information is phone number (home, work, friend's number or message), physical street address and mailing address, ages of children and financial information.

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, disabled individuals and families who would like to receive a special food package must also complete an application available at the above locations.  These persons will receive a card in the mail explaining the store hours and shopping.  Delivery is available only for these individuals upon request.

The invitations to shop will be mailed after November 26.  The invitations will specify the day and hour that parents may go to select a new toy and several good used toys for each eligible child age 3 through 12.  Appointments will be scheduled so parents may take their time selecting just the right toys for their children.  No children are allowed and may not accompany parents to their shopping appointment.  Provision must be made for the care of children while parents shop.