Still time to give to CCC toy drive

Christmas can be a joyful time for children.But when families are struggling financially, joy and excitement can turn to anxiety and sadness for parents knowing that their children aren't going to have a holiday experience like other kids.

The Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha, in its 62nd year, is a nonprofit group that provides needy families with an opportunity to have a merrier Christmas by either matching them with individuals and groups who want to help them on an individual basis or by letting families come and pick out toys for their children.

"Many of the people we serve are feeling quite hopeless, as they're struggling to pay bills and to just stay afloat," said Ruth Page Jones, executive director of CCC. "But all they want for their children is to be happy on Christmas Day, so this is a way we help them relieve the stress of not being able to buy their children presents."

Over the last two years, close to 9,500 children from close to 4,000 families from Waukesha County have been helped during the holiday season by the CCC. This year, close to 2,000 families in Waukesha County - which includes 4,570 children - have registered to be a part of the program.

"We hope the community will remember our mission to help those families in need at this special time of year," Jones said. "After several years of a trying economy, the need is very great. There are many ways to help."

Families in need are referred to CCC by agencies who qualify families based on income (they must meet the qualifications for the federal free and reduced lunch program), residence (must live in Waukesha County) and placement. The families in need are then matched with a sponsor, which can be an individual, family or organization. They are then asked to provide children gifts worth $60 or gift certificates for kids ages 12 to 18 after getting in contact with the family to receive the child's "Wish/Need List."

The sponsors will deliver the gifts directly to the family by Dec. 14.

While sponsors have helped out tremendously over the years, Jones said more are needed as there are 220 more children looking to be sponsored this year.

"We have more applications and fewer sponsors," Jones said.

Jones added that if people still want to form a one-on-one connection with a family in need this holiday season, they have until Dec. 13 to become a sponsor.

In addition to working at CCC, Jones is directly helping the families herself, as she is sponsoring two families this year.

"My Christmas Day is made special knowing how special I can make it for others," said Jones, who will deliver presents this weekend.

To sponsor a family, call (262) 549-6635.