LINN  — Osage Caring Projects Coordinator Charlotte Bellsmith said this year’s Christmas Wish program needs sponsors as the 111 families and 338 children enrolled, in many cases, involve larger groups.

“We are heavy in large families this year, some with five, six, or more kids this year,” said Bellsmith. “I understand that no one can adopt an entire family; it’s tough for everyone. I would encourage families to join together and help, if at all possible. Maybe a large group or family can pull together for those that have hit a place that is beyond our realm.”

Bellsmith noted that families are asking for winter clothing, boots, gloves, and a couple of fun gifts. “They are not asking for anything outrageous,” she added. “Just like every other child out there, they wish for either a bike or Chromebook, and some would even feel elated just to receive a basketball.”

State Tech is providing 80 Bikes again this year. “We are so grateful for that donation,” said Bellsmith.

Many children in need kids excel in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). “These amazing kids want knowledge for Christmas,” said Bellsmith. “They want to build intricate electronics and travel outer space through a telescope or a microscope. We have incredibly artistic children who crave the means to create beauty. Our youth are incredible at sports; some dream of playing for a college team and being able to continue their education that way. Some of them just want to blend in and survive  high school.”

Osage Caring Projects

“We have always depended on our large churches to adopt larger families,” said Bellsmith. “They have a loving and giving congregation able to handle a family with six-plus children.”

Three Rivers Electric Cooperative’s Helping Hands Foundation recently awarded Osage Caring Projects a $10,000 grant.

The 4-H Council volunteered to provide the fixings for a Christmas dinner to 15 foster families in the program. Osage Caring Projects will provide the turkey.

Another donation came from K12, an online program dedicated to helping kids of all grade levels. That group donated 100 pairs of shoes.

“If anyone wants to help, they can donate to help provide Christmas for a family or adopt a family,” said Bellsmith. “Anything would be greatly appreciated.”

Please call 573-694-7099 with any questions.

The drop-off event on Friday, Dec. 20, will be from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Osage County Community Center. Sponsors of large families are asked to drop off gifts on Dec. 19 from 3 to 8, but Bellsmith advised sponsors to call to verify that someone is there. Sponsors will also receive a special ornament.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hand out candy canes on Friday evening and Saturday, Dec. 21, with pick-up from 8-10:30 a.m.

Former State Tech students and other volunteers will serve as Santa’s elves to help take packages into the Osage County Community Center and load them into vehicles the next day. The sheriff office will deliver gifts this year to a few families without transportation.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our elves,” said Bellsmith. “All of our volunteers are very much appreciated.”

Volunteers will use Lakeside Book Company’s flatbed carts to transport packages. “We are very thankful for their generosity,” said Bellsmith.

Donations may also be made to the Daniel Mittenburg Scholarship Fund. Mittenburg was a Linn State Technical College student killed in a fire that destroyed Judy’s Cafe in October 2009.

Follow Osage Caring Projects on Facebook for updates.