Although Christmas is still months away, organizers of Rowan County Christmas are already collecting gifts. Rhonda Holley, a board member, said they take donations throughout the year for children and the elderly. The organization accepts cash and check donations, financial support on PayPal and Venmo, as well as physical gifts to be handed out in December.
Holley added that while they take almost any new unopened gift, they do not accept anything that isn’t age-appropriate.
“For children, we really don't want any type of guns or knives. We usually do like the Nerf guns that they can play with, that’s not something that anybody’s going to be hurt. So, anything that's not going to hurt the children 0 to 18. So, that's the kind of things that we do and don't take,” said Holley.
She said there are many ways to support and just a few stipulations for donations.
“We do not take clothing at all. You can donate gifts at any time throughout the year and Morehead Community Federal Credit Union is a drop-off point. My name and phone number are on the website and also on just about everything that's associated with Rowan County Christmas so anyone can call me with a donation,” Holley said.
She added that gifts for seniors ages 65 and older are also needed. Holley said people who want to schedule a donation or get more information can call 606-356-1661 or visit rowancountychristmas.org. Rowan County Christmas has a budget of around $80,000 and supports more than 500 families and seniors in the community who qualify financially. The last day to donate is December 10.