‘Tis the season of giving. At least it’s supposed to be, but with the global pandemic racing through everyone’s minds, not everyone has time to think about giving to others. 

However, many associations in Powell accepted donations to help others this Christmas. The proceeds may be going to non-profit organizations such as Toy for Tots or Loaves and Fishes and donating to these is a great way to help families. 

“…every child deserves to have Christmas whether it be from Santa or their parents so definitely giving back to the rotary or any other organization that’s raising money for families in our community is helpful,” business owner Mrs. Heather Clarkson said. “With having local fundraising, I think it provides a lot for these people so they don’t feel like their family or their children have to go without [Christmas].” 

There are many ways to play a part in giving this year. Heather Clarkson Photography, located at 128 E 2nd St, Powell, accepted $20 donations for a photo with Santa on Dec. 13, 16 and 19.  This is a way to  raise money for Toys for Tots, a non-profit organization that distributes toys for children in need.

“…It’s important for families in our community to have somewhere they can go where they can have something to give to their children and not feel like they’re asking for too much,” Mrs. Clarkson said. “I would do it any year even if it weren’t for Covid.”

But that’s not the only way people are giving this year. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) could also use some support in helping their program provide meals for children, care centers, and family day care homes. 

“People could help by donating products to a childcare center to help them,” Nutrition Program State Director Mrs. Tamra Jackson said. “If they wanted to pick one of the centers that’s on the program and [ask to donate], that would help the center be able to  use their money in other ways to provide even better meals for the kids.” 

Mrs. Jackson also shares why she believes giving is important this year. 

“…Here on Earth we should focus on other people and not ourselves and that the more we can give to others and focus on others in our lives, the better our lives are,” she said.

Another way to help this year is donating food to Loaves and Fishes. Anyone can go to the official Loaves and Fishes website and find the best way to donate. In Powell, the Homesteader Hall at the Park County Fairgrounds (655 E 5th Street) is taking a sack of non-perishable food for admission to their Kringle House, a Christmas wonderland display. 

Places all around Powell also helped out this Christmas. The Bank of Powell had a Shelter Angel tree where pet foods could be placed and given to the Powell Animal Shelter until Dec.18. There was also a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. The New Life Church (185 S. Tower Blvd.) sponsored a giving tree where people bought certain gifts for a certain child. TCT West offered a $5 credit on their customers’ bills for every new toy they bring for Toys for Tots.

“Every year my family decides to buy toys for Toys for Tots because the kids who are in the program really deserve a little light in life,” freshman Bella Bertagnole said. “After my family and I picked out the toys, it felt really good because you know that it is going to make their Christmas so much better.”