United Way Funds Brighter Christmas for Needy

Two separate grants supported the Toys for Tots and Cops and Kids programs.

Local law enforcement officers, current and retired, gathered recently to participate in the annual Cops and Kids program. Laughery Valley Fraternal Order of Police # 146 members shop with local children for Christmas and make important community connections. Photo provided.

The United Way of Greater Cincinnati Southeast Indiana has pledged $5,000 in two separate grants to assist local organizations in making the holidays brighter for families in need.

The United Way has granted $2,500 to assist the Southeastern Indiana Economic Opportunity Corporation (SIEOC) in providing coats, hats, and gloves through the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, celebrating its 75th year of spreading Christmas joy to children.

SIEOC Family Development Coordinator Kimberly Henry, who serves as the Toys for Tots campaign coordinator, said they noticed a significant uptick in the number of struggling families asking for winter coats as well as toys and books. Henry said that, not only does the program, “Spread Christmas cheer” to children, but it also gives, “a bit of relief to parents who need help by taking some pressure off them.” Henry said all Toys for Tots funding stays 100% local. “We even shop local to keep all of the funding in our community because that’s important,” Henry said. The program serves families in Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland counties.

In a separate grant the United Way pledged another $2,500 to the Laughery Valley Fraternal Order of Police (#146) in support of the annual FOP Cops and Kids Program, once known as Shop with a Cop.

The well-known program provides not only material support to struggling Dearborn and Ohio County families but helps alleviate parental stress at this hectic time of year. Corporal Pam Taylor of the Greendale Police, who is the secretary-treasurer of the local FOP, said the organization’s goal, aside from providing families with help through the holidays, is to “Focus on positive relationships with families.”

In 2021 more than 60 officers, retired officers, and members shopped with 332 children, spending $41,116.60 at Walmart, monies raised through donations, local business support, the Dearborn and Ohio Community Foundations, and grants from the United Way. This year’s event will take place on December 10.

In offering these grants Chandra Mathews-Smith, chief community engagement officer for the UWGC said, “We are excited to support such community outreach work and commend your communities’ ability to pivot and continue to aid families in need.” UWGC Regional Director Karen Snyder added, “At the United Way, we are always proud that we are able to support our community this way during the holiday season, especially the children.”