It's hard to believe that there are approximately 4,000 individuals in Fayette County who receive more than $10.5 million in assistance from the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFACS).

Outward appearances give the impression that the county's population is without needs, with families living in comfortable homes, driving late model cars and eating three meals a day. “It's just not as visible here,” said Paula Fish, director of Fayette County DFACS. “You just don't see the poverty.”

Families in need may be living with relatives, rent subsidized apartments or own their own homes, but be struggling financially due to an unexpected medical or employment crisis.

The number of senior citizens is also growing in the county, according to Fish, driving up the need for medicine and medical related items not covered by insurance.

Starting in September, Fish and her staff begin sending out their red letter and green letters to clients and volunteers who want to be involved in their holiday program.

“This is the eighth year we've done this,” Fish said. The community and the clients are aware of it.” Debbie Dunn serves as the agency's holiday coordinator and sifts through hundreds of requests from volunteers as well as clients seeking special assistance for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Nearly all (clients) ask for help, and as an agency, we couldn't do it by ourselves,” Fish explained, noting that the holiday program is unique to Fayette County. “We spend a lot of time and effort doing it,” she added.

The Fayette Samaritans play a major role in helping pick up food, as in the case of the Flat Rock Middle School can drive. The Samaritans work out of the DFACS office and help coordinate the project with DFACS staffers.

Clients who are mailed a red letter can respond by checking off the assistance they need. The list includes Thanksgiving food, Christmas food, children's clothing, adult's clothing and children's Christmas gifts. In some cases, families or individuals may be matched up with sponsor or gifts may come via the angel trees located at Wal-Mart.

Fish said in most cases, people “will ask for the bare necessities,” items such as blankets and sheets, pots and pans, sweaters and coats, coal and wood for heat.

“We also maintain a donation account which operates year-round,” Fish noted. Monetary donations are always welcome, and can be utilized for expenses throughout the year as needs arise that don't meet the criteria for state or local funding.

The green letter sent out to potential contributors lists some of the things needed to make the holiday program successful. “Our biggest need is food; things you would typically have for a Thanksgiving dinner,” Fish noted. The ingredients for a dinner are assembled in a bag and picked up or delivered with a turkey or ham, she said.

Christmas gifts for foster children, other abused and neglected children, and children from low income families are needed along with gifts for the needy elderly adults and disabled individuals. “We especially need items such as sweaters, gloves, hats, blankets and socks,” Fish said.

Food including fruit baskets and meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus canned goods and nonperishable items to stock the food pantry are always needed. The agency also wishes to collect new clothing to be used as Christmas gifts, holiday paper to wrap the gifts, and financial contributions.

Groups or individuals wishing to sponsor a family or individual for the holidays, or simply make a donation or purchase a gift, can call DFACS at 770-460-2555.

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