Supporting members of GCDP stepped-up to the call for contributions of food, essential supplies, gifts for children and monetary donations for its 16th annual Adopt Greene County Families for the Holidays program. This event had always generated a tremendous response from the membership who have made the holidays special for families who are less fortunate in our community. During this past year, when the need to help has been critical, Greene County Democrats went above and beyond their usual level of generosity. GCDP’s office manager and chief organizer for the program, Eileen Martin, said, “The members’ response to this year’s request for donations was magnificent! It was a touching experience to see that the families’ needs were so well filled.” Eileen added a special “thank you” to Cindy Curtis and Bev Hogue. “They helped to make this program a success at every step of the process.”
This past year, care packages were distributed to nine families with children on December 19th. Each family received bundles of fresh and non-perishable foods, personal and cleaning supplies, gift cards and gifts for children. At the start of the day, GCDP’s headquarters was filled with holiday cheer and mountains of presents for the families. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the care packages were purchased and distributed by a limited number of volunteers whose enthusiasm and energy helped to carry the loads.
At the end of the day, the families had picked up their packages. They were thankful to have the means to celebrate the holidays for their children, and they were moved by the assistance that had been provided by GCDP’s supporting members. The holiday season is typically celebrated with family, friends, food and the gift of giving to others. It can also be a time of great difficulty and stress for those who are less fortunate. As this past year has demonstrated, we are all vulnerable to being lonely and disadvantaged. 2020 was an especially trying time as we have all felt the fear of insecurity for our health, safety and economic needs. That makes the generosity of GCDP members’ donations to the 2020 Adopt Greene County Families for the Holidays program so special. Thank you to all who contributed.