WHITMIRE — The Whitmire Jaycees hope to spread some extra holiday cheer this season by holding the Whitmire Cheer Fund “Angel Tree Project” benefiting children of Whitmire who might not get to experience a joyful Christmas.

This year, the Whitmire Jaycees will be collecting donations for around 50 children. For those who don’t want to shop for a child, monetary donations are also accepted, with checks made payable to Whitmire Cheer Fund.

The ages of children ranges from newborns all the way to age 12. The identities of the children and their benefactors are protected. The Jaycees are asking the community to adopt a family or simply make a donation so that they can shop for the children.

“We love helping our community when they need help,” said Christianna Gilliam, president of the Whitmire Jaycees. “We try and keep in mind that this is for the children who believe in Santa and without our help they might not have a Christmas at all. We’re trying to spread the word by sending out letters to businesses, local churches and reaching out to other individuals in the community.”

Anyone wanting to send a monetary donation can call the Whitmire Jaycees message line at 803-944-1116 or send the donation to P.O. Box 173, Whitmire, SC 29178. Inquiries on adopting a child should also contact the message line.

The Whitmire Jaycees will accept donations through Dec. 10.

For more information on the project and a list of the children’s ages and items listed for that child, visit the Whitmire Jaycees Cheer Fund “Angel Tree Project” event page on Facebook.

On the page, you’ll find a list with the gender and age of each child along with the clothes or toys for that specific child. Some of the items include coats and pants, baby dolls, shoes and other gifts that will help make a child smile this Christmas.

The Whitmire Jaycees are a non-profit organization for young people ages 18 to 40 and are part of the state, national and international Junior Chamber.

Whitmire Jaycees 2014 Whitmire Cheer Fund included, from left to right, Jason Mack, Christianna Gilliam, Amy Silvers and Sue Hollingsworth.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_WhitmireCheerFund.jpgWhitmire Jaycees 2014 Whitmire Cheer Fund included, from left to right, Jason Mack, Christianna Gilliam, Amy Silvers and Sue Hollingsworth. Courtesy photo

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.