One of many people’s favorite things about the holiday season is watching their children open presents. For many hard-working families with low income, this time of year is also a painful reminder that times are tough, and they cannot afford to buy those gifts for their kids.
The Project Santa program at WIRC-Community Action Agency was created to help those families by providing gifts and clothing to their children during this magical time of year. This community program is funded entirely by donations from the public. As of October 14, the Project Santa program is accepting applications for a limited time. The deadline to apply is 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024.
While Santa is in the name of the program, Project Santa officials say that it is not only a Christmas program. The gifts are provided to the families unwrapped so the adults are empowered to give those gifts to their children in the best way that reflects their family’s holiday traditions and culture.
To be considered for Project Santa, families must meet all of the following criteria: (1) They live in Hancock, Henderson, or McDonough County in Illinois; (2) They have children ages 18 or younger living in the household; (3) The household’s total monthly income is within the program’s income limits.
The monthly income limits (gross, not take-home pay) based on household size are as follows: Two-person Household: $3,407; Three-person Household: $4,303; Four-person Household: $5,200; Five-person Household: $6,097; Six-person Household: $6,993; Seven-person Household: $7,890.
To apply, families can apply online at https://wirpc.org/projectsanta/ or call the WIRC-CAA office at 309-837-2997 during their business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Paper applications are available upon request.
WIRC-Community Action Agency is a nonprofit based in Macomb, Illinois, that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. To learn more, call 309-837-2997, find them on social media, or visit their website at https://wirpc.org/. The Agency is an equal opportunity provider and employer.