centered around giving

With the Christmas holiday season now in full gear, there are a host of programs, events and drives underway to assist residents, young and old alike, in the Albany and Clinton County area.

The Clinton County News would like to remind readers about some of the programs going on in the community, old and new.

One new program combines the efforts of Good Shepherd of Hope and the local schools in the first annual “shoe drive” that is now going on through the Christmas holidays.

People from the community are asked to donate new or gently used men’s, women’s and children’s shoes of all types, including work boots as well as new socks. Although this will be an ongoing project, shoes and socks collected will be distributed to those in need during Christmas.

Monetary donations to assist in the drive may also be made at First and Farmers National Bank and shoes and socks can be dropped off at the Twin Lakes Family Wellness Center or Family Resource Center. For more information about this worthwhile project, call 387-9622, 387-4242 or contact Bobby Grant.

Another brand new program, associated with the Wellness Center, is the Angel Tree project. For more information on that program, people can also contact Grant or phone 387-9622.

Yet another new drive entitled “Secret Santa for Seniors,” located at Dyer Drug, is underway now and a separate article on that project can be found beginning on page 1.

Some annual projects are also ongoing, including the ninth annual Christmas at Home toy and food drive.

Churches are reminded that all food should be collected by this Sunday, December 9 and anyone donating new toys for the cause should drop them off at the various locations around town by Saturday, December 15.

Although not an event to assist those in need, the ever popular Treasure Hunt, a side event to the Christmas at Home program, began on Saturday, December 1 and will continue until the treasure is found.

Also, Santa Claus, who was unable to make an appearance at WANY Radio last Saturday to kick off that event, has rescheduled his appearance for Saturday morning, December 15 at 10:30 a.m.

This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree” and for those who haven’t gotten in on the fun of searching for the treasure and many other small prizes (such as a small Christmas tree), the following is a listing of information and rules pertaining to the Treasure Hunt, which is now in its eighth overall year.

1. Clues will be posted at various businesses each day where they will remain until the treasure is found.

2. Location of clues will be given on WANY, Monday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and repeated at 4:30 p.m.

3. All clues are numbered so participants can catch up on any that they have missed. Locations for the clues given Monday-Friday will be repeated on Saturday.

4. Clues will not be given over the phone. You will need to go to the business and write it down.

5. Clues to find the grand prize will not be in any given order and you will have to choose which words are clues and decide on their meaning.

6. The Grand Prize cannot be claimed by the same winner two years in a row.

7. Everyone is eligible to participate except for WANY employees and immediate family members.

8. Remember the treasure will not be hidden in any manner that would be harmful to treasure hunters or cause damage to property.

9. Hunting on the following is prohibited: schools, churches, cemeteries, any emergency services or historical sites and residential property.

10. Keep in mind that the treasure hunt is a game, please be courteous and a good sport and join in the fun.