The Grinch this year is the economy and local charities are doing everything they can to save Christmas for Medina County families.

Several organizations say they have seen more demand for help with Christmas presents, food and other support.

The Angel Tree at the Medina Community Recreation Center is one of many at businesses throughout Medina County. They are sponsored by local Salvation Army corps. Several local charities have reported that more people are asking for help with food and presents this holiday season. (GAZETTE PHOTO BY MARIA KACIK KULA)

“This need is kind of different. We’ve seen an increase of families who’ve never asked for help before,” said Capt. Sienna Jackson of the Medina Salvation Army. “We’ve seen families who in the past have been some of our donors … and, in turn, this year they’re coming and asking for help.”

The Salvation Army provides food baskets and toys for qualifying families.

Jackson reported the Salvation Army has had 270 families request assistance so far this year, and the organization will take even more applications through the end of the week.
Last year it took in only 229 families. There were only 114 families receiving help the year before that.

The Wadsworth Salvation Army also reported more families in need.

“It’s steadier” than last year, Maj. Debbie Grace said.

She said that fewer families and businesses have adopted families. Two years ago, about 75 families were adopted, which means they would receive toys and food from those who adopted them. Last year, 65 families were adopted. There have been only 50 families adopted so far this year.

Grace also said that since the Kmart in town closed this year, the Salvation Army has one less location for its Red Kettle campaign.

“It’s like the perfect storm,” she said.

The Community Services Center in Medina, run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, also has seen more traffic.

“There have just been more people, especially as we’ve gotten close to the holidays,” center Director Michelle LaMar said. The organization gives food and presents to families during the holiday season.

LaMar said she’s seen an increase in the number of people asking for other services provided by the center throughout the year, such as clothing, food and utility payment assistance.

Although there is an increase in requests for help, LaMar said donations are down this year.

“We always hope that it will get made up. This is the time of year we always receive the heaviest donations, so we’re hoping cash donations pick up,” she said.

Contact Maria Kacik Kula at (330) 721-4049 or mkacik@medina-gazette.com.

HOW TO HELP
• Medina Community Services Center: Cash donations are needed most, Director Michelle LaMar said. The center also is looking for people to adopt families. To help, call (330) 725-4690.
• Medina Salvation Army: Call the Salvation Army at (330) 722-6468 to find out about donating or adopting a family. There are several Angel Trees throughout the area, where people can pick a child for whom to buy a gift. The Gazette also collects toys and food for the Medina Salvation Army during regular business hours at its offices, 885 W. Liberty St., Medina.
• Wadsworth Salvation Army: Call the offices at (330) 335-2327 for information about sponsoring a family. People can drop off new gifts at the organization’s offices at 527 College St. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There also are several Angel Trees located throughout town.

IF YOU NEED HELP
• The Medina Community Services Center will accept applications to receive food and gifts through Dec. 17. Call (330) 725-4690.
• The Medina Salvation Army is accepting applications for Christmas food and gifts through Friday. Call (330) 722-6468.
• The Wadsworth Salvation Army also is taking applications for Christmas food and gifts through Friday. Call (330) 335-2327.

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