Applications for the 2021 Sertoma Christmas Miracle are now available.
They can be picked up in Seymour at the Jackson County Health Department, WIC office, Seymour City Hall, Jackson County Department of Child Services and Human Services Inc..
Applications also are available during regular business hours at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department in Brownstown, Bundy Brothers in Medora, all branches of the Jackson County Public Library and all participating agencies of Jackson County United Way.
All applications must be received by Dec. 18. Applications have been distributed in English and Spanish.
“We are not associated with any national or international toy drive. Anyone who donates gifts, gift cards or money to Sertoma Christmas Miracle can rest assured knowing that their contribution is used only for the children of Jackson County,” co-chairman Ryan Begley said.
Begley, who also is president of the Sertoma Club of Jackson County, said Christmas Miracle only exists because of the extraordinary charity of the people of Jackson County.
The Christmas Miracle effort will be changed this year from 2020’s operations, according to a news release from the organization.
In 2020, all gifts were mailed in the form of $35 gift cards. Sertoma will again have 2021 operations that are more similar to 2019 and previous years.
The organization will conduct gift gathering and wrapping operations in Suite 211 at Shops at Seymour; however, the effort is subject to the availability of gifts, so some gift cards may be used if gifts can’t be found.
All donations are used in Jackson County for the children of Jackson County. The headquarters’ phone number is 812-498-2275, but it will not be in operation until Dec. 1.
Sertoma is participating in the Charity Tracker network to avoid any duplication of services. All applications must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. Applications are accepted for children 12 years of age and under. All children must live in Jackson County. In 2021, a letter of instruction is included with a revised application.
Sertoma is a not-for-profit service organization that means Service to Mankind.