The Holiday Help of East Troy program will continue this year featuring a collaborative approach to assisting local families in need.

      “It is through the generous support of local businesses, churches, organizations and community members that this program is able to continue,” said East Troy Family and Community Resource Center coordinator Marolyn Komperud, who leads the six-year-old initiative.

      Komperud said the program model makes it easier than ever to provide families in need with gifts, winter clothing and a holiday meal during the holiday season.

      In 2018, Holiday Help of East Troy served 75 families with a combined 178 children.

      “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.

      Donations are due by Dec. 9 unless otherwise noted.

      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 new toy drive.

      Donations can be dropped off at toy collection barrels at the following locations: Citizens Bank, Dollar General, First Citizens State Bank and Frank’s Piggly Wiggly East Troy through Dec. 10.

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 and St. Peter’s Catholic Church and School. Wrapped donations are due no later than Sunday, Dec. 8.

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. Wrapped donations are due no later than Friday, Dec. 19.

4. WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

      The East Troy Lioness Club is collecting hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks and slipper socks for children (infant to 18 years old) at First Citizens State Bank, 2546 E. Main St. Donations should be taken to the bank by Friday, Dec. 8.

5. GIFTS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

      Citizens Bank East Brook Branch, 2541 E. Main St., Unit A, will be collecting donations of new children through young adult pajamas, socks, underwear, leggings and sweatpants.

      The Hive Taproom, W2463 County Rd ES, will be collecting baby items, including diapers & wipes, shampoo/body wash, washcloths & towels, receiving blankets, teething toys, burp cloths, bibs, pacifiers, etc. 

      Citizens Bank Vernon Office, W236S7050 Big Bend Drive, Suite 3, Big Bend, will be collecting $10 gift cards to local stores, shops and entertainment venues for teens. 

5. COVERING THE NECESSITIES

      East Troy Acupuncture, 3278 Main St., will be collecting hygiene items, including soaps, lotions, shaving supplies, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, etc.           

      Wanezek Family Dentistry, 2564 Main St., and Bay View Veterinary Service, 890 Main St., will be collecting new unwrapped gifts of pajamas/socks and underwear, hygiene products, gift cards/monetary donations and more.

      Martins Hardware- Rental & Pet, 3288 Main St., will be four packs of toilet paper, single or double rolls of paper towel, cleaning supplies, laundry soap and dish soap.

6. MONETARY DONATIONS

      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.