Project Noel 2008 is underway. The Department of Human Services, Altus First United Methodist Church, individuals, families, other churches, organizations and businesses from around the Altus area are partnering together to provide Christmas gifts for children in needy families.

Project Noel is everyone coming together to show our children we care for each other. It doesn’t matter if you are on the receiving end or giving end, Project Noel is sure to give you a warm, happy heart inside. It’s projects like this that make Altus a great place to live.

In the late fall of 2007 the Department of Human Services learned that there would be no Christmas toy project in our community to assist their clients. The employees decided to hold their own in house toy drive. They knew they couldn’t meet the need they saw every day in their work. Later that year the Circle of Friends United Methodist Women learned that the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church had been chosen to receive gifts from a national drive conducted by the Today Show. Just by chance these two bits of information came together. Project Noel was born when members of the Altus First United Methodist Church stepped out of the boat to organize a large scale Christmas toy project that involved the whole community. Even though the Today Show donations were not what was expected Project Noel exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Mike Pate, Social Services Supervisor with DHS said “In my 29 years of working with Toys for Tots, Operation Santa Claus and similar programs, Project Noel has been the most successful. We are very pleased that the church has decided to organize Project Noel again for 2008.” Pate went on to say, “I believe Project Noel is so successful because the parents are given the opportunity to choose toys for their own children and to gift wrap them if they want. We also had a large variety of toys donated from the hearts of many different people in the community. The parents were put at ease and treated with great respect in God’s house by the church members who distributed the gifts.”

We are luckier than most here in SW Oklahoma with our low unemployment rate. However when families have to decide between rent, utilities, food, transportation to work or toys for Christmas, necessities do come first. Any family living in Jackson County who truly feels they have a need is welcome to apply. Social Service Workers at DHS began screening families on Monday and will issue a voucher to the parents or guardian of each needy child. Families do not have to be currently receiving assistance for DHS to receive gifts from Project Noel. Applications can be made Dec. 4 and Dec 8-11 from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM at the Department of Human Services Center, 201 S. Main St. Altus.

“This is a huge undertaking. The help of the whole community is needed.” Mitzi Pate, 1st UMC people organizer for Project Noel said. “Local businesses, organizations and families can help by donating toys, gifts or money. Church members will be praying for the success of Project Noel and putting in many hours to shop for, organize and distribute the gifts. DHS employees have already collected about 100 gifts among themselves over the past three months. Several donors have already sent money to this year project.” She went on to say, “Last year we distributed gifts for about 700 children. This year we expect the need to be even greater, possibly for 800 to 900 children.”

Community members can help by bringing any new gift to the First United Methodist Church or the Department of Human Services. Suggestions are:

*Non -violent toys for boys and girls, ages infants to 17 years.

*Sports equipment and balls.

*Books.

*Hats, gloves and socks for any age or gender.

*Watches or jewelry for pre teen and teen girls and boys

*Grooming items for teens.

*Fashion items such as belts, purses, wallets, sweaters for teens, male and female.

*Electronics for teens.

*Donations of AA and AAA Batteries, wrapping paper and tape are needed to complete Project Noel. People may already have these items at home they are willing to donate.

Financial donations for Project Noel will be accepted today through Dec. 18 at the First United Methodist Church, 317 N. Main. The office entrance is located under the covered driveway on the south side of the building at Main and Cypress. Checks should be made to 1st UMC/Project Noel. Donations are tax deductible and statements will be issued by the church. Donors may remain anonymous if they wish.

Questions can be directed to The Reverend Margie VanOostrum, 482-0795 or Mr. Mike Pate, 480-3408.