OCR Text |
Show Four Christmas families selected for '87 holidays A total of 32 families were suggested for this newspaper's annual Christmas family project, more than any previous year. "Choosing the families we would help this year was more difficult than it has ever been," said Publisher Brett Bezzant. "Not only were there more families suggested than in years past, but so many seemed -flat' "have-' Very severe problems. We can only hope that we made good choices." This newspaper has selected four families and requests help from you, the reader, to bring these families some badly needed and well deserved Christmas cheer. "Almost anyone can find some way to help. Select one child or help an entire family," says Bezzant. "We hope service clubs, schools, civic groups, scout troops, church groups or whatever will organize and help the families not selected by i the newspaper. "We like to see all of them receive 1 some kind of assistance. If you're wondering who you can help for Christmas, donate directly for the families here described or call our office and we'll be happy to give you information on other families." This year's four Christmas families have suffered from poor health, little or no employment, handicaps, crowded apartments or homes and some even suffer for lack of food, clothing and heat. At least two of the families are behind in rent or house payments and some have had utilities shut off. A telephone is an unnecessary luxury for most. One family could better their employment situation if they had adequate transportation. Between the four families, there are 19 children: Girl- 14. Boy-12, Girl- 12. Boy- 10. Girl- 10, Boy- 9, Girl- 9. three girls age 8. Girl- 7, two girls age 6. two girls age 5, two boys age 4. Girl-4 and Girl-2. All of the clothing sizes are not yet available. However, here is a list of what has been given to us so far: In men's sizes there is a 16.5 X 34 shirt, 36 waist X 34 length pant. In women's sizes there is a size 10 dress, 11-12 pant and medium blouse size. In boys' sizes there is size 12 pant and shirt, size 6 shoe, size 10 pant and shirt, 2-anu-a-hall shoe and a size 6. In girls' sizes there is Jr. 7-9, Jr. 3-5, 3-5, size 10, size 6X-7, size 6 pant and blouse, size 13 shoe, size 11-and-a-half shoe, size 3, 6-and-a-half shoe, 10 regular in slacks, dress 12, 9 or 10 in slacks or dress, 7 slim in slacks, dress 7, 5 reg. in slacks, and dress 5. Some specific desires have been determined. Among them for the girls are: jewelry or perfume, stuffed animals, coloring books, dolls, Little Real Baby. 12-speed. record player, 10-speed, talking doll, backpack for school. Barbie house. Barbie and Ken clothes, and snowboots. So far the boys would like: something educational, blanket, construction set, books, small toys, and stuffed animals. More information will be published next week about these families as it is available. "Our Christmas family project is designed to let any of our readers help truly needy families in the true spirit of Christmas," says Bezzant. "Parents can have their children select a secret friend of about the same age and let them provide a special gift for that child." Donated items or cash can be delivered to the American Fork office at 59 West Main. If you would like to donate large items or perishable food items, please call 756-7669 to arrange for delivery. All donations should be made by Monday, Dec. 21. |