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

Local charities are getting a kick start on holiday donations, to make sure they have enough resources to help, during the pandemic.

“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 seven-year-old initiative. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, monetary donations are greatly appreciated this year.  These donations will help with general operating expenses as well as for providing food and gas gift cards to every family.”

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

In 2019, Holiday Help of East Troy served 71 families with a combined 177 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 sea-son,” Komperud said.

Donations are due by Dec. 11.

Here are ways to give this year:

1. 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.

2. Give the Gift of Energy
Give the gift of energy by ordering gift cards from We Energies. Order in whatever denomination you prefer and have them sent directly to you.  This is a mail in pro-cess so better to order soon-er than later.  The form can be found on We Energies website. You can drop these gift cards off at East Troy High School attn. Kim Pluess or mail to PO Box 962, East Troy, WI 53120 or contact Marolyn at 642-4900 for drop off.  

3. 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 from Nov. 27 through Dec. 11.

4. Gift giving trees
Giving trees to purchase gifts for local children will be located at Realty Executives Integrity and St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Wrapped donations are due no later than Dec. 11.

5. Secret Santa for the Manor
State Farm-Tim Werwie on the square is seeking East Troy community members/groups to serve as secret Santas by purchasing gifts for residents of East Troy Manor. Tags will be available Nov. 23. Wrapped donations are due no later than Dec. 18.

6. 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 due Dec. 11.

7. Gifts for children & teens
Citizens Bank East Brook, 3238 Main St., Piggly Wiggly Branch, 2541 E. Main St., Unit A, will be collecting donations of new children through young adult socks, underwear, leggings and sweatpants/sweatshirts and gift cards for teens as well as monetary donations.

The Hive Taproom, W2463 County Rd ES, will be collecting pajamas infant to adult sizes. These collections will take place Nov. 23 through Dec. 11.  

8. Covering the necessities
East Troy Acupuncture, 3278 Main St., will be collecting hygiene items, including soaps, lotions, shaving supplies, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, tooth-paste/toothbrushes, etc.  

Martins Hardware- Rental & Pet, 3288 Main St., will be collecting four packs of toilet paper, single or double rolls of paper towel, cleaning supplies, laundry soap and dish soap. These collections will take place Nov. 23 through Dec. 11.