The Holiday Help of East Troy program will continue this year, featuring the collaboration of various community organizations.
East Troy Family and Community Resource Center coordinator Marolyn Komperud, who has taken the reins of the 3-year-old initiative, said a new organizational structure started in 2014 makes it easier than ever to help families in need during the holidays.
In 2015, Holiday Help of East Troy was able to serve 83 families with a combined 194 children between the ages of birth and 18 years of age.
“This is truly a community venture and a way for East Troy to come together to help struggling families to have a blessed holiday season,” Komperud said.
Here are ways to give this year:
1. Toy drive
The East Troy Lions Club is collecting gifts for children birth to 16 years of age for its annual toy drive through Dec. 12.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: Citizens Bank, Dollar General, First Citizens State Bank and Frank’s Piggly Wiggly East Troy.
2. Gift giving trees
Giving trees to purchase gifts for local children will be located at East Troy Bible Church, Good Shepherd Church, Realty Executives Integrity, St. James United Methodist Church and St. Peter’s Catholic Church and School through Dec. 12.
Wanezek Family Dentistry will be a general donation site for new unwrapped gifts of: Children’s pajamas, children’s socks and underwear, children’s hygiene products (soaps, scrubbies, hair ties, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrushes) and non-perishable food donations.
3. Secret Santa
Associated Bank, 3292 Main St., is seeking East Troy community members/groups to serve as secret Santas by purchasing gifts for residents of East Troy Manor through Dec. 20.
4. Winter clothing drive
First Citizens State Bank, 2546 E. Main St., in association with the East Troy Lioness Club, is collecting hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks and slipper socks for children (infant to 18 years old). Donations should be taken to the bank by Friday, Dec. 6. First Citizens State Bank is also a collection site for the Lions Club Toy Drive.
5. Share the warmth
East Troy Boy Scouts Troop 92 will be collecting winter coats and gear at Frank’s Piggly Wiggly and the East Troy Lions Public Library through Dec. 12. All coats will be cleaned and donated locally.
Monetary donations for the Holiday Help Program can be sent to the East Troy Family Community Resource Center, PO Box 962, East Troy, WI 53120. For more information or to confidentially request help for a family in need, contact Komperud at (262) 642-4900 or easttroyfamily@gmail.com