Photo: Linda Rose, left, takes toys off the shelves with fellow volunteer Jana Pilkington while sorting through gifts for families in need Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at Community Action Services in Provo. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald
From the Daily Herald. 12/15/2015 by Barbara Christiansen (DAILY HERALD)
Needy Adults are Often Last to Get Help
Just as it’s more difficult for an animal shelter to have someone adopt a cat instead of a kitten, it can be more difficult for a Christmas assistance program to find a sponsor for an adult instead of a child.
“As I have been asking people to sponsor some of our clients, they want to sponsor children,” said Jennie Reese, coordinator of the Sub for Santa program at Wasatch Mental Health in Provo. “I understand that. They can picture the delight of a child opening a package.
“We also have our homeless population and elderly who don’t have family any longer. It can be one of the most depressing times of the year for them.”
The needs of adults or senior citizens can often be met simply.
“It kind of breaks my heart when I look at their wish lists,” said Michaelann Bradley, marketing and communications manager of United Way of Utah County. “They may want a new pair of socks. Their needs are so small.” Read the entire article in the Daily Herald.