MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — The holidays can be a tough time financially for some families. That's why Morristown Hamblen Central Services, or Central Services, has its Holiday Hope Fund program.
"The Holiday Hope Fund is a program that started 40 years ago," said Ashley Hux, Executive Director of Central Services. "Very small, used toys that were given out at the holidays, for low-income families in Hamblen County. It has evolved over the years. And now it provides food boxes at Christmas time and toys to children through the Angel Tree program."
The Angel Tree program partners with businesses throughout the county. The businesses display a tree with "angel cards" which are gift requests for children in the community. Hux said last year, more than 1,500 food boxes were given out to families in the county and more than 3,000 toys were given to children.
She said she expects the need for this program to increase this year.
"We've seen the trend with our other services through the pantry and utility assistance," said Hux. "So I'm feeling like it's it is going to be a busier year, we're going to have more families that are in need."
Central Services receptionist Susan Williams also expects the number of people to grow. Williams even was a program participant herself, years ago.
"There was a year I was laid off from work," said Williams. "And my children were probably around five and six. And I just did not know where it was going to come from. So I reached out to Central Services and they made the they made the miracle happen."
She encourages other families to reach out for help if they need it.
"Don't ever be not wanting to ask for help," said Williams. "That's what we're here for. We want to make sure there are no children left behind. So please, please reach out to us if you need help."
The program is needs-based, but Hux encourages people to apply to see if they're eligible.
"I encourage anyone that that thinks they're going to be a need during the holidays, to come out and sign up," said Hux. "Because we know that things come up that. Right now, there's a lot more hardship, you know, families that have never had to receive help before. We've seen them this year come through the food pantry. And so we want to make sure they know that we're here. And they are welcome to come and it's there and available to them."
If you aren't in need, there are other ways to help. Both Williams and Hux say volunteers are always needed.
"We are always needing volunteers," said Williams. "The more the merrier. Our numbers are really high usually each year."
Hux says the community really comes together, especially during the holidays.
"The Hamblen County community is really incredible," said Hux. "When there's a need, they come through and they fulfill it."
Sign-ups for the services started on Oct. 26.
The next dates are:
- Oct. 27: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Nov. 2 and 3: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Nov. 4: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Signups are located at Central Services' Changing Times Thrift Store, which is located on S. Cumberland Street in Morristown.
Families need to bring proof of Hamblen County residency, proof of income and social security cards for everyone in the household.
To donate, sponsor an Angel Tree, or find out more information, you can call 423-586-9431.