Applications for next month’s Sertoma Christmas Miracle are now available in at the Jackson County Health Department, WIC office, Seymour City Hall, Jackson County Department of Child Services, Human Services Office, all branches of the Jackson County Public Library, and all participating agencies of the Jackson County United Way. Applications are also available at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department during regular business hours and in Medora at Bundy Brothers.
All applications for holiday toys must be received by Saturday, Dec. 18. Applications have been distributed in English and Spanish.
The Christmas Miracle Effort will be changed this year from 2020’s COVID Shutdown operations.
“In 2020, all gifts were mailed in the form of $35 gift cards,” said Christmas Miracle Co-Chair Ryan Begley. “We will again have 2021 program more similar to 2019 and previous years. We will conduct gift gathering and wrapping operations at Suite 211 in Shoppes at Seymour mall, as was the case in 2019 and previous years. However, our effort is subject to the availability of gifts due to supply chain issues, so some gift cards may be used if gifts can’t be found.”
All donations are used in Jackson County for the children of Jackson County. The headquarters’ phone number is 812-498-2275 will be in operation beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1.
“We are not associated with any national or international toy drive. Anyone who donates gifts, gift cards or money to Sertoma Christmas Miracle can rest assured knowing that their contribution is used only for the children of Jackson County,” said Begley. “This program only exists because of the extraordinary charity of the people of this county.”
Unlike some local toy & food drives, Sertoma is participating in Charity Tracker network to avoid any duplication of services. All applications must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. Applications are accepted for children 12 years of age and under. All children must live in Jackson County. In 2021, a letter of instruction is included with a revised application.
Sertoma is a not for profit service organization that means Service To Mankind. Begley is also President of the Jackson County Sertoma Club.