RIVER FALLS – A community holiday program that enables neighbors to anonymously help local families in-need has begun its 36th year.

River Falls Sharing Families hopes to help at least 40 local families by providing them Christmas gifts and groceries.

Recipient profiles are gathered by Holiday Helpers – a new organization that sprouted from Angels on Earth Giving Tree program to provide for families in the River Falls School District during the Christmas season.

Applications are now being accepted through the group’s page at FB/holidayhelpersRF

Sponsors shop for clothing and toys and deliver those things unwrapped to Sharing Families depot by the pre-Christmas deadline.

Family profiles have already been provided to about 15 sponsors who have asked to participate. More are still needed. Individuals, families or organizations wishing to sponsor a family can get in touch via e-mail to RFsharingfamilies@gmail.com, call 651-308-1149 and leave a voice message. Those interested can also visit the River Falls Sharing Families Facebook page.

Contributors will have until noon Friday, Dec. 9, to assemble gift packages and deliver them to SF's seasonal quarters in a vacant area of the Specialty Clinic at River Falls Area Hospital, 1629 E. Division St. Volunteers will then check over items and shop for any remaining clothing or household items needed to complete the assignment. Gifts and grocery cards will be distributed Dec. 14-15.

Those who are unable to adopt a family can still help by offering a cash donation to help pay for groceries and gift items not provided by other sponsors. Cash donations can be mailed to Sharing Families, P.O. Box 701, River Falls, WI 54022. Gifts are tax-deductible. Receipts are available.

Sharing Families was started in 1988 by staff at then-River Falls Journal with a simple mission of using the newspaper and weekend advertiser to anonymously connect families in need with donors willing to help. In 1998, Sharing Families incorporated as a nonprofit corporation, overseen by a volunteer board of directors.

Board members include Bonnie Carroll, Dalene Crandall, Pam Herink, Rosalie Walker, Judy Wiff, Julie Dodge, Angie Bond, Bridget Heib, Tom Vogler and Steve Dzubay.

Submitted by River Falls Sharing Families