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Seminole County United
Seminole County United, and initiative of
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, will be having its
annual Christmas Village in collaboration with Harvest Time
International Christmas Bag of Joy. This event has been building
and growing for over 9 years allowing multiple community service
agencies to come together annually in support of less advantaged
families, victims of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
This event is operated by volunteers and supported primarily
through donations. Seminole County Sheriff’s employees
are active participants in this event. Agencies who have made
referrals are the Salvation Army, Christian Help, Christian
Sharing Center, Seminole County Child Protective Service,
and the CBC of Seminole County.
Great Southern Water has been a major supporter of his event
and wouldn’t let another year go by without being involved.
Their donations thus far have allowed for fund raising events
to take place which makes the entire “Christmas Village/Bag
of Joy” event to take place. Al Moses of Great Southern
Water stated, “I challenge other business in the area
to step up and meet a $12,000 matching donation I wish to
make to help the less advantaged and abused children in our
county during the holidays.” With more than 4,000 visitors,
2/3 of which will be children, more support is needed.
At this year’s event, being held on December 15th quality
entertainment is being provided by Joe Manno & RTC Entertainment
Company. Other community providers have stepped up in support
to provide food and toy donations, but more support is needed.
There will be a Santa for the children to visit with. One
of the best parts of this event is watching the parents and
guardians pick their holiday gifts from the many donated toys
and have them wrapped by volunteers. An opportunity exists
for purchasing toys for $135.00 per pallet (150+toys) and
currently a need exists=2 0for more sponsors to purchase these
pallets. It is estimated that over 6,000 toys will be needed
to stock “Santa’s Toy Shop.”
It really is a special day for all involved. For more information
please contact Marie at Seminole County Sheriff’s Office,
Community Services Division 407-665-6508.
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