Holiday Assistance Requests Increase 53% In Stafford County

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — The holiday season is a tough time for families in need. This year, Stafford County Social Services is asking for donations from the public to help community members.

So far this year, holiday assistance requests in Stafford County have increased by 53 percent the social services department said. Last year, 281 families asked for holiday help. This year, that number has grown to 430 families. County officials said it's a sign of a challenging economy.

"The number of people in our program has almost doubled this year, and many of the families are large families, with a lot of teenagers," said Erin Riley, Program Coordinator for the Stafford County Department of Social Services. "Our community has always been very generous, and I am confident we can count upon its support this year."

Stafford Social Services is looking for monetary donations, unwrapped gifts, and food. A donation drive will be held at the Regester Chapel UMC Youth Center on Dec. 12 from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The social services department's holiday assistance program helps people who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.

Every year, the department hosts a "Santa's Toy Shop" event where parents can pick out gifts for their children. Department officials say these events help them build contacts and provide further assistance.

"Last year, a new baby's father came in, and staff helped him pick out diapers, a winter coat, soft toys and bath toys. He mentioned his baby was sleeping in an old drawer," County officials said in a news release. "Staff had just received a sturdy, like-new crib. It would not fit in the man's car, but he came back during his lunch break in his work truck to pick up the crib. He was so proud he could provide for his child."

Anyone, an individual, family, or group, can become a sponsor for the people in need this holiday season. They can sponsor a whole family or an individual. The social services department urges sponsors to buy the gifts that are requested online and consider donating gift cards for older children.

More information about the holiday assistance program is available online.