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Hands Up Foundation conducting second annual Christmas drive
MOOSIC, Nov 08, 2009 (The Times-Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
The Hands Up Foundation Inc. is conducting its second annual Christmas drive to help make the holidays brighter for families in need.
The foundation provides gifts and clothing for the children of working-class families who do not qualify for public-assistance programs, but are having trouble making ends meet for Christmas.
"I help children (of families) who are struggling and give them an absolutely beautiful Christmas," said founder Angie Edwards.
From her home in the Moosic Trailer Park, she runs the foundation -- a nonprofit, nonstock corporation registered with the Department of State since July 2006.
Last year, the foundation provided a new toy, outfit and several lightly used gifts to 118 children in 37 different families in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
"I'm already doing applications this year because the need is so much greater," Ms. Edwards said. "With the need being so much greater than last year, our initial goal is to serve 200 children in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties."
To qualify for help from Hands Up, at least one parent must be working, they must fall below the federal poverty level and can not be receiving public assistance. The federal poverty level for the average family of four is $22,050, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In addition to applications, the foundation is looking for individuals who can sponsor children and volunteers.
Ms. Edwards said the deadline for applications is Dec. 17. She keeps a database where she lists all people she helps along with information like clothing sizes and needs. When a donation comes in, she can match it to the appropriate person.
The bulk of item donations come from local people who have responded to her ads on social networking sites.
She has volunteers who pick up donated items from those who are unable to drop them off at her home, then the items are separated by age group and matched to kids' wish lists. Once a request is filled, Ms. Edwards will make arrangements with the families for pickup.
"This is something that God has put on my heart. I have the heart of a true philanthropist and that's where these very special donors come in," she said.
To make donations, volunteer or request assistance, contact Ms. Edwards at 299-9330, aedwards1974@yahoo.com or 1054 Springbrook Ave., Box 31, Moosic, PA 18507.
Contact the writer: ssanger@timesshamrock.com
To see more of The Times-Tribune or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, The Times-Tribune,
Scranton, Pa. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For
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847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group
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