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Sponsor-a-Family program sees growth
(by Joan Demirjian - December 14, 2011)
Sponsor-a-Family program sees growth
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
For 25 years, Chagrin Falls resident Ruth Carlton coordinated the Geauga County Job and Family Services' Sponsor-a-Family program.
When the program started in 1971, it provided about 24 families, foster children and seniors in the county with holiday baskets. Last year, more than 600 families with 1,300 children were served for the holiday, not only with food, but also gifts and toys. It is anticipated the program will serve as many and probably more.
Although retired now, Mrs. Carlton is still involved with Sponsor-a-Family.
The program has grown a lot in the last few years, especially in light of the poor economy, Mrs. Carlton said. "Many people need help who didn't need it before," she said. "The program has gone so far since it started."
Mrs. Carlton recalled times when 20 families were helped. "We thought that was good. Now, it's gone way above that, and so many people are willing to help. They realize people need help and they are reaching out to assist," she said.
Sara Shininger, the program coordinator, said the program serves low-income Geauga County residents. "Everyone who qualifies receives help."
The goal is to match as many families as possible with sponsors from the community, Mrs. Shininger said. Those not matched with a designated sponsor will receive food and gifts from donations given to Job and Family Services.
Donors, including individuals, families, schools, civic groups, churches and businesses, call her and want to give to the program.
Many businesses would rather give donations than have gift exchanges, Mrs. Shininger said.
"The people who want to help are from beyond Geauga County," Mrs. Shininger said.
"I match the sponsors with families," she said. There are also those who prefer to collect items to donate to the program for all families. "We pack toys, food and gifts," Mrs. Shininger said.
"The department basement is getting pretty full. Volunteers are here daily bagging food now and sorting toys. It looks like Santa's workshop.
"Everyone who qualifies, receives help, either by a sponsor or from the donations," she said.
Some communities such as South Russell Village have sponsored a family for several years, seeking donations from the community. The residents drop items off at Village Hall and then it goes to Geauga County Jobs and Family Services for delivery.
"And there are so many volunteers who make it work," Mrs. Shininger said. "Some have been doing it many years. And sponsors make it part of their holiday tradition.
"This year, we have had several new sponsors," Mrs. Shininger said. "It's like word is spreading, with new folks calling to sponsor families."
The Chagrin Falls High School Key Club conducts a large food drive. "They've done food collections for several years," Mrs. Shininger said.
With those who sponsor an individual family, the donations are sometimes brought to the department and are taken to the family by volunteers. The bags of items can also be delivered to the families by the sponsors themselves, she said.
Food, toys and clothing are sorted by volunteers at the Job and Family Services department so they are ready Dec. 20 for delivery. Last week, members of the Leadership Geauga program bagged food.
"With the monetary donations, we supplement items we may be short on and use them to purchase staple groceries and meat," Mrs. Shininger said.
"And I buy hooded sweatshirts for the teens with some of the donated money," Mrs. Shininger said. "I watch for sales throughout the year."
Those who want to make donations or volunteer time can call her at 440-285-9141.
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