LINN  —Three Rivers Electric Cooperative’s Helping Hands Foundation awarded $5,000 to Osage Caring Projects to purchase Christmas gifts for Osage County children in need. The organization plans to help 364 children this year.

“When the program began 17 years ago, we imagined helping 20 kids have a Merry Christmas,” said Organizer Charlotte Bellsmith. “Little did we know that with our community and the Helping Hands Foundation, we would continue to serve more than 100 families and often three or four times that many children.”

Sponsors include community members, churches, businesses, organizations, and schools. “Each of our sponsors is affected by the same economy as everyone else, so we are never sure how many families they can support, but we always have faith that we will be able to help those in need,” said Bellsmith.

Children will receive a couple of toys, shoes, and/or coats. Family gifts are something that everyone can enjoy and might include food, cleaning supplies, blankets, towels, or a game that everyone can play together.