Holiday Bureau opens registration for Christmas
Rita Crouch, Holiday Bureau volunteer for restoring dolls, shows off one of the Holiday Bureau’s dolls. (photo:Ben Pounds )
The Holiday Bureau is at 728B Emory Valley Road.
People can come on Saturdays Oct. 10, 17 and 24 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
To qualify, they must be from Anderson County. Everyone must have photo identification. A food stamp award letter will have all the information the Holiday Bureau needs to make sure a person qualifies. Without that letter, an applicant must have paper or electronic proof of everyone in the household, household income and proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease.
The Holiday Bureau volunteers receive donated new and used toys, games, bicycles, and decorations, along with a small amount of clothing.
“The ones we get for Christmas gifts we try to get them like new,” said Sandy Lyles, secretary and board game restorer at the Holiday Bureau, told The Courier News.
She said the toys are for children from infants up to age 15, although most donations are for younger children. Decorations such as trees, wreaths and wrapping paper will be ready for pickup in early November while gifts will be ready in early December.
Lyles said the Holiday Bureau relies entirely on donations for its items and volunteers for its personnel. The organization especially needs them for toy give out times but would like them all year round. If you are interested in volunteering, call 865-483-7831.
If you are interested in donating items, you can come to the Holiday Bureau between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday or Saturday and talk to volunteers. You may also schedule a different time by calling 865-483-7831.