The hardest part will be explaining it to their children.
“They have worked so hard and keep asking if I think Santa would be proud of them,” one woman wrote in a letter to The Gazette, asking for help this holiday season.
Others are experiencing the same sense of desperation. And they are asking for things most people take for granted — a new pair of shoes, some laundry detergent and baby wipes, a few toys.
Today, The Gazette kicks off its annual Christmas Wishes program, a public service endeavor the newspaper sponsors each year to match people in our community who are in need during the holiday season with others who can help them.
The wishes come from people from all walks of life — single parents, seniors, families hit hard by the economy. And year-after-year support comes from the big-hearted people of Gaston County.
Last year The Gazette received more than 264 wishes. More than 200 were granted, according to Judy Bean, our Christmas Wishes coordinator.
Every year, Judy and her team of volunteers work with churches, businesses, civic groups, families and individuals to try to help as many people as possible.
“We made a difference in the lives of so many through gifts of toys, food and clothes last year,” Bean said. “I ask you to consider supporting us again this season because all of you have the capability of making a difference through your generosity and sharing with you fellow citizens.
“Every donation makes a difference.”
On Monday, The Gazette will officially begin accepting wishes. And in the days leading up to Christmas we’ll be sharing them in print and online.
Wishes can be made at gastongazette.com by clicking on the Christmas Wishes link. Follow the prompts and please provide all information requested.
Wishes can be brought to The Gazette between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1893 Remount Road, Gastonia, or they may be mailed to The Gazette Christmas Wishes program, P.O. Box 1538 Gastonia, NC 28053.
To make it easier to make a wish, a form is available in our lobby.
Here are some helpful guidelines:
-The deadline to make a wish is Wednesday, Dec. 4.
- Wishes should be no more than 50 words explaining the wish and why it is being made. The Gazette will edit for brevity and clarity.
- Wishes should be for simple things such as food, clothing and toys for children. Big ticket items such as electronics are typically not granted.
- People making wishes must include their names, addresses and daytime phone numbers. This information is for verification purposes. It will not be published but will be shared with potential sponsors. Wishes that do not include complete contact information will be disqualified.
-One wish will be accepted per household. Multiple wishes will be disqualified.
-Wishes must be for people living in The Gazette readership area.
-Wishes should come from those seeking help and not on behalf of other people except in extreme circumstances. It’s always a good idea to check with the person who you are making the wish for to ensure they would not be upset or embarrassed.
-The Gazette reserves the right to decline a wish if it does not meet its guidelines and there is no guarantee a wish will be granted.
Wishes will appear in the paper starting today on page 5A. Future publication dates are Dec. 1, Dec. 4, Dec. 8 and Dec. 11, with additional dates if necessary.
Wishes will also be available online and the list will be updated as wishes are spoken for. You can view the wishes by visiting www.gastongazette.com.
This year there are two phone lines:
To grant a wish, call 704-869-1818.
To ask a question about a wish, call 704-869-1820. Please do not leave multiple messages on the Christmas Wish coordinator’s voicemail. Every effort will be made to return calls in a timely manner.
Each year, hundreds of wishes are granted by Gazette readers who want to help someone in need experience the joy of the holidays.