At the peak of COVID 19, it seemed the world stood still and many of life’s tasks were either very difficult or impossible.
It was mid-October when the Merrill Area United Way learned that the Christmas Spirit Appeal gift collection and giving efforts would not be held for 2020. The church programs, school efforts, and Christmas Spirit Appeal felt they couldn’t handle the process of collecting gifts and then distributing them that year in light of the challenges associated with COVID.
United Way quickly responded and coordinated a drive through, whereby parents could register their children for gifts and then close to Christmas come through the drive-thru and receive $75 in Merrill Gift Certificates, a ham certificate, and a box of chocolates for the holiday. One hundred thirty families were served, providing for 365 children. The fundraising efforts generated enough to cover the costs and left a balance of $9,600.
United Way decided to pass these dollars on for their intended purpose. In 2021 and now again in 2022, United Way has given $4,800 to the Christmas Spirit Appeal program, half each year.
A check was presented to Christmas Spirit Appeal recently for the 2022 distribution, and Christmas Spirit Appeal is now gearing up to provide a wonderful Christmas with gifts for children and hundreds of smiles.
The Merrill community can help with the Christmas Spirit Appeal program in two ways. They can visit a Christmas tree in the community that carries the gift tags and purchase gifts needed for the child on each tag, or they can send their financial donation directly to Christmas Spirit Appeal, PO Box 912, Merrill, WI 54452, and the funds will be used to purchase gifts needed.
For more information, visit Christmas Spirit Appeal on Facebook or call 715.350.1022.
Applications are currently being taken for families who need assistance this Christmas to help provide gifts for their children.