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You could be our missing link! When Barbara Fagin and her friends
started The Christmas Connection in 1981, it
was just the start of a dream to help better the lives of those
less fortunate. With little money and lots of energy they began
their mission of “linking those in need of receiving to those
in need of giving.”
Starting with a modest 300 families, The Christmas Connection
now opens its doors to 1,700 families and senior citizens of the
Oklahoma City/County area. As we move forward past 9/11, economic
uncertainty still has a grip on us; more and more people are finding
themselves in a financial situation they had not imagined. The
services we offer are in greater demand while the funds available
are getting harder to come by. Non-profits are searching for new
ways to fund programs.
As a community-based volunteer operation, The Christmas Connection
tries to bring a little joy into the lives of the families we
serve. We work closely with the Salvation Army, DHS, Community
Action Agency, and many smaller social agencies on a referral
basis to avoid duplication of services. In a warm, dignified atmosphere
staffed with eager volunteers, our recipients shop for free for
new and used clothing, new and used toys, blankets, pillows, new
books, household items, and food during our Christmas Project.
In addition, our Back-To-School Connection provides school supplies
and a new book bag to 500 needy school-aged children. Our goal
is to at least double the number of children we serve. Moreover,
at Spring Fling, recipients “shop” for good used spring and summer
clothing.
While approximately 50% of all items are donated throughout the
year, the other 50% (new items like coats, socks, underwear, sweat
sets, robes and sleepwear, hats/knit caps and gloves, blankets,
small appliances, and toys) must be purchased with funds received
from contributions or earned through fundraisers.
This is where you come in. The average cost of bringing hope to
one recipient child is $27.00. This will purchase a new coat or
sweat set, a new toy, 2 pairs of socks and 2 pairs of underwear
at Christmastime or a new book bag filled with school supplies
in August. Please take a moment to become a linker—Use the enclosed
envelope to sponsor at least one child and bring hope and joy
into his/her life when needed most.
All donations are tax deductible. Receipts
are available upon request.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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