Sertoma initiative application open

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A local nonprofit organization that has been delivering Christmas miracles to underprivileged children for more than 40 years has begun preparing for this year’s event.

The annual Sertoma Christmas Miracle, however, cannot fulfill the children’s wishes without the help of donors.

“This program only exists because of the extraordinary charity of the people of this county,” said Ryan Begley, event co-chairman and president of the Sertoma Club of Jackson County.

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“We are not associated with any national or international toy drive,” he said. “Anyone who donates gifts or money to Sertoma Christmas Miracle can rest assured knowing that their contribution is used only for the children of Jackson County.”

Last year, 280 families were served through the Christmas Miracle program.

“Each child received a gift worth approximately $35,” co-chairman John Fox said. “Last year, there were 713 children who participated, which is down some from past years. Applications are starting to come in particularly early this year, though.”

Applications for the 2017 Sertoma Christmas Miracle are now available in Seymour at the Jackson County Health Department, WIC office, Seymour City Hall, Jackson County Department of Child Services and Human Services Inc. They also are available at all branches of the Jackson County Public Library and all participating agencies of the Jackson County United Way.

They also are available at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department in Brownstown during regular business hours and at Bundy Brothers in Medora.

Applications must be received by Dec. 18.

The Christmas Miracle headquarters will be in Suite 206 at Shops at Seymour on Tanger Boulevard in Seymour, beginning Dec. 1. Hours of operation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Applications for toys and monetary donations may be sent to Sertoma at P.O. Box 841, Seymour, IN 47274. Applications and donations also may be dropped off at the headquarters, starting Dec. 1.

The headquarters’ phone number is 812-498-2275, but that number will not be in operation until Dec. 1. All donations made will go exclusively to children in Jackson County.

Sertoma is participating in the Charity Tracker network to avoid duplication of any services. All applications must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.

“Only children who are 12 years of age and under may apply,” Fox said. “They must also reside in Jackson County and be home on Christmas Eve morning in order to receive delivery of the gifts.”

Sertoma Christmas Miracle is a very enjoyable charity to be a part of, Fox said.

“We’ve been with it so long that it’s a part of our Christmas holiday,” he said. “Our kids and grandkids have helped deliver the gifts, and it just wouldn’t be Christmas for us without the Christmas Miracle.”

This year’s Sertoma Angel Trees will be at the Jackson County Public Library, Shoe Sensation in the Jackson Park Shopping Center and Jackson County Visitor Center, all in Seymour, starting Dec. 1.

Angels will be available for choosing with a child’s first name, sex, age and toy choice printed on each one. Everyone is encouraged to pick up an angel, purchase the gift listed on the angel and deliver the unwrapped gift to the headquarters.

There also will be a drop-off box at Exist Salon & Spa in Seymour.

Sertoma is an acronym for SERvice TO MAnkind. For more than 100 years, volunteers known as Sertomans have served communities across the United States.

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Applications for the 2017 Sertoma Christmas Miracle are now available in Seymour at the Jackson County Health Department, WIC office, Seymour City Hall, Jackson County Department of Child Services and Human Services Inc. They also are available at all branches of the Jackson County Public Library and all participating agencies of the Jackson County United Way.

They also are available at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department in Brownstown during regular business hours and at Bundy Brothers in Medora.

Applications must be received by Dec. 18.

For information about Sertoma Christmas Miracle, call 812-498-2275 after Dec. 1.

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