LINN  —  Osage Caring Projects Coordinator Charlotte Bellsmith said this year’s Christmas program needs sponsors as time is running out for the nine unsponsored families.

“We also have a waiting list of five families,” she said, noting that, thus far, 298 children from 109 families are served by 80 sponsors. “We have received a grant and some very gracious donations.”

Three Rivers Electric Cooperative’s Helping Hands Foundation recently awarded Osage Caring Projects a $5,000 grant.

Bellsmith said a bicycle is one of the more significant items offered by the organization. “We are pleased that State Tech stepped up again to help,” she noted, adding the college and individuals at the school accounted for all the bikes on the list. “Abby Buhr jumped on it and did a great job collecting new bikes. Amy Ames, totally outdid herself, pulling out all the stops to make it happen.”

There are still families in need hoping for support. Bellsmith said she understands the economic challenges everyone is facing. “If anyone wants to help, they can donate to help provide Christmas for a family or adopt a family,” she said. “Anything would be greatly appreciated.”

Bellsmith added that individuals could get together with friends and family and pitch in what they can to purchase a bike from the list.

Please call 573-694-7099 with any questions.

The drop-off event on Friday, Dec. 15, will go from 3-9 p.m. Sponsors will also receive cookies and hot cocoa.

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. 16, with pick-up from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Osage County Community Center.

Former State Tech students and other volunteers will serve as Santa’s elves to help get packages into the Osage County Community Center and load them the next day.

“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.