Published: November 26, 2008 03:59 pm      

Bank seeks donations for military, youth shelter at holidays

DUNCAN — Christmas is the season for giving, and IBC Bank is supporting two causes this year: Operation Care Drop for the military and Stephens County Youth Shelter. It asks the community’s support in these endeavors.

“Many times, children arrive at the youth shelter at Christmas time,” said Cindy Michel of IBC. “Obviously in these situations, the staff members are unaware of how many children might show up, their ages, the size of clothing or shoes they wear, etc., and have to do very last-minute shopping to accommodate these kids. To be in that situation at all is confusing enough for the child, much less at Christmas time. It would be nice for them to have something appropriate under the tree. All cash donations will go directly to the benefit of the children.”

The shelter’s wish list includes new baby walkers; new baby gates; storage bins/toy boxes; Wal-Mart gift cards ($25 each); fast-food gift cards; movie passes; new pool sticks; DVD players; 2009 kid-friendly calendars; finger paints and art supplies; Magna Doodles; fingernail polish; Christmas ornaments/decorations; new pots and pans; food for the holiday meal; dish towels and pot holders; baby formula; OTC infant medicines; diapers and baby wipes; baby dolls and clothes; Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels.

“These children range in age from newborn to teens. The same items you buy for your own children and your household are the things this household needs as well,” Michel said.

The bank’s military drop-off box is full already, and it is getting another one. Although all of the bank’s employees are participating in the collections, Judy Keller, has really taken the lead on this project, Michel said, and has contacted local dentists and hotels for the sample-size toiletries that are on the list.

Other items include playing cards, small games, paperback books, snack items and any other items that would help make a deployed soldier feel appreciated during the holidays. Supplies should fit inside a quart-sized plastic bag. Donors can also contribute approved items in bulk quantity for later assembly. The bank has a list of recommended items.

“Soldiers need to hear from people during the holidays and all through the year, too. If everyone would take a few moments to write a note or address a card to a soldier, it would mean so much,” Keller said. “Cards and letters and children’s drawings can be dropped off at the bank for forwarding to the troops. Unless one has been deployed or has a friend or family member in the service, it is difficult to understand how important such a simple gesture can be. They need to know we care.”

Donations are requested at the bank’s downtown and branch locations by Monday.