Williamson Co. Child Advocacy Center says donations needed for Santa's Gift House | Community Spirit

HERRIN, IL (KFVS) - Volunteers and donations are needed for the 20th anniversary of Santa’s Gift House in Herrin, Ill.

The gift house will only be open one day this year: Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will again be at the old Maytag building, 410 E. Lyerla Drive, Herrin, Ill.

The event is a fundraiser for the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center. Leah Brown, Executive Director for the center, said Santa’s little helpers will do their part again as the center seeks donations for the gift house.

Brown said the event would not be possible without the help of area residents and members of the business community. She said donation items are displayed in a store setting.

Children between the ages of four and 12 years of age will be able to shop for Christmas gifts. Due to limited amounts of gifts to be purchased, shoppers will be allowed to shop for no more than 10 people.

Gifts range in price from 50 cents to $4 with a few gifts at $5. All of the money raised will go to the center.

Children who plan to shop at the gift house should plan to bring their parent(s) to registration at the Maytag building, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the evenings of Monday, Nov. 26; Tuesday, Nov. 27; Wednesday, Nov. 28; and Thursday, Nov. 29.

At that time parents will be able to reserve a block of time for their child to shop. THIS IS NEW THIS YEAR, AS WE HOPE TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME FOR CHILDREN TO SHOP. If the child does not have a reserved time, the child will be “worked into” the shopping area as soon as a spot is available.

The center is seeking monetary donations, as well as craft items, baked goods, new or lightly used toys, jewelry, books, etc, as well as items that can be part of the raffle. No used clothing will be accepted. New clothing, ties, etc. will be appreciated.

Santa Claus will again be present, so that children will be able to get their picture taken for $1.

The Williamson County Child Advocacy Center, 501 S. 14th Street, Herrin, Ill., opened its doors in 1992 and continues to serve the special needs of sexually abused children in Williamson and Franklin Counties. The center receives federal, state and local funds, but must however depend upon donations and fund raisers to supplement.

Drop off of donations will be accepted at the Maytag address, Monday through Thursday, Nov. 26-29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For further information, you can call the Santa’s Gift House Help Line at 618-942-3800.

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