An organization that helps needy families at Christmastime is in need itself.
The Communitywide Christmas Collaboration is desperately seeking donations so it can help the more than 200 families that have applied for holiday aid.
"These are very low-income folks who have no other source," said Head Start's Judy McLaughlin. "They have nothing for their families."
The Christmas Collaboration formed last year from agencies that reach needy families: Catholic Charities, Head Start, Community Maternity Services, SALT, Chamber of Commerce and SCCAP.
The goal was to take the place of the longtime Schoharie County Christmas Bureau and the Schoharie County Community Action Program's annual holiday drive.
The Christmas Collaboration filled that gap well last year, helping 108 families with 158 children.
Donations of more than $6,000 came in last year, but the total is far less this year, Ms. McLaughlin said.
"Last year, we got gift cards, $25 per person," she said. "This year, it might be $50 per family. Maybe."
So far, the Christmas Collaboration has received $2,600 in donations but needs another $3,000, according to a report from SALT.
Time is tight. Ms. McLaughlin said packages for families will be ready early next week.
"A lot of the families we helped last year are still in need. They're in the same boat," she said. "We want people to have a nice Christmas."
Also, there are more of them. The 210 families that have contacted the Christmas Collaboration is almost double last year's total. And the 455 children in those families is almost triple the number of kids last year.
The Christmas Collaboration is accepting checks made out to Head Start--Christmas. The organization is also asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys.
"We need toys for all ages, and we have none at all for boys," Ms. McLaughlin said.
Because of the short time, she's asking that checks and toys be dropped off at the Head Start Center in the former Aker School on Lark Street, Cobleskill, instead of being mailed.
For more information, call Ms. McLaughlin at 234-7521.