During the holiday season, there are many families who struggle to put presents under the tree, while others have more than enough. The WACO community is bringing them together through their Sharing Christmas program. According to organizer Tamara Gill, the WACO Ministerial Association is coordinating the program, which provides families in need with Christmas presents. She says there are 16 families with 42 children signed up in the program, and they need a few more people willing to donate gifts to make sure all of them are taken care of.

Gill says approximately half of the students currently attending school in the WACO district take part in the free and reduced lunch program, which proves the need for programs such as Sharing Christmas and the community Thanksgiving meal. She also says there are many in the community with bountiful resources, and it’s encouraging to see them take an active role in helping those less fortunate than them.

Gill offered her thanks to everyone who has taken part in the Sharing Christmas program, saying, “The need is great, and that became very obvious, as forms came very quickly back in once they were sent out. We also have had just so many different individuals — families, the students at the school — who have agreed to participate in the program this year. And I think it’s a wonderful way to be able to share special gifts all around our community during the Christmas season.” To get involved with the program, contact Gill at 319-217-2456 or email her at tamarajg@gmail.com. For more information, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Gill at KCIIRadio.com.