Changes in the West Liberty community’s Voluntary Action Council Christmas distribution were unveiled this week, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Priscilla Hessig, one of the members of the committee, pointed out there are a lot of changes this year as the group works to keep things safe for volunteers and recipients.
Coats and outer apparel:
Steve and Anna Hanson will be distributing coats from the Rotary Operation Warm project at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish Life Center through this Friday, Dec. 5.
Coats vary in size from 2T to adult XL. Distribution will take place by appointment from 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. Appointments need to be made by sending a text message to Anna Hanson at 641-799-1303. Adult hats, gloves and infant items will be given away with the coats. Therefore, if you have those items, it would be best to take them directly to St. Joseph’s parish during the time there are appointments or contact Anna or Steve.
Apparel:
Children’s underwear, socks, hats, scarves and gloves will be distributed through the West Liberty Community School District nurses when the schools reopen. These items are being collected in a red tote under the steps at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Liberty. Any adult or infant items collected after this week’s distribution of coats may be taken there also.
Children's Toys:
Toys need to be dropped off no later than Friday, Dec. 11. Aquarius members will be bagging them Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. at First Church United in West Liberty. The easiest way for providers to leave toys is by placing them under the Star Trees at West Liberty State Bank or MidWestOne Bank. The trees are in the vestibules so you don’t need to worry about entering the bank. Toys can also be taken to First Church United when the secretary is present from 4:30-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Food, hygiene items:
The Voluntary Action Council did not ask for food or hygiene donations this year, but if you want to donate, the best way to deliver these items is to take them to the West Liberty Food Pantry at First Church United which is open Thursday from 5:30-7 p.m. or Saturday from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Monetary donations: Send to Voluntary Action Council, c/o First Church United 1100 N. Calhoun St., West Liberty, IA 52776
Applications for the Christmas boxes were due Monday, Nov. 30. Community groups and others have volunteered to help load cars and/or make deliveries on Friday, Dec. 18 from 3:30-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9-11 a.m. Volunteers are scheduled to deliver the senior fruit sacks on Saturday morning, Dec. 19. as well.
The Voluntary Action Council appreciates the community’s generous support of this project to help make the holidays for many local families and individuals much happier, Hessig said.