The Season for Giving

One of the things that Phillips County residents share is our spirit of giving and the willingness to help others. This is always a good time of year to share with others, and this year in particular there are many people that could use a helping hand, however big or small that might be. Here are a few options to help brighten the holidays this year.

KMMR’s annual Food Bank night will be held Monday, November 30th in conjunction with the first Monday late night opening downtown and a $250 button drawing. Shoppers who contribute non-perishable items are eligible for extra savings.

You can find the Hi-Line Retirement Center Giving Tree at the main entrance of the nursing home, and a tree for the Assisted Living residents in that area of the facility. To give a gift to a resident, simply choose a tag, follow the directions, and return gifts with tags attached to the package no later than December 15.

Applications for the Angel Program are now available at the Malta Food Bank for gifts of clothes and shoes for qualified children under the age of 18. Applications will be accepted no later than Tuesday, December 8th. The Angel Tree and a list of gifts desired will be on display at Family Matters, and donation cans for monetary donations can be found at local businesses.

Phillips County 4-H members, Charli Carnahan, and Samme & Sidney Gibbs are once again hosting Toys for Tots through the Phillips County 4-H program.  Members are collecting toys to give at least one toy that each child, from newborn to age 12, has put on their wish list. Since taking on this project from the Women’s Club in 2013, 4-H has raised over $3,450 in donations and $5,500.00 in toys for 114 Phillips County kids.

A list of suggested toys and collections boxes can be found at the First State Bank, Bank of Malta, Independence Bank, Hardware Hank, Spare Change, Todd’s Technology, Valley Drug, and Family Matters.  You may also donate to the program by sending a check to the PC 4-H Council at P.O. Box 430, Malta, MT 59538, or drop one in the toy boxes located at various businesses.  Toys will be collected until December 18th.  Please contact the PC Extension Office at 654-2543 with any questions.

The Bank of Malta’s “Warm Willie” is once again collecting warm coats for those of us that are feeling the chill this year. You can donate your clean and gently used (or new!) warm weather gear in the entryway near the ATM.

These are just some programs that are available, if you know of any others, please let us know! In the spirit of the season, remember, every little bit counts, even if it is only five dollars or a can of tuna. As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Happy Thanksgiving!