by Melissa Brunner
Sometimes people fall on tough times. It's nothing to be ashamed of - it just happens. When it happens at this time of year, it's good to know the Christmas Bureau is there to help.
For 70 years, the effort (which is now under the umbrella of the United Way of Greater Topeka) has worked to ensure every local family has a happy holiday. The first half of the Christmas Bureau is taking place this week, when individuals or families who need help with a holiday meal and gifts apply for adoption. To qualify, family income must fall below 150 percent of the poverty level. The chart is below:
|
Number of People in Household |
Annual Income |
Monthly Income |
Bi-Weekly Income |
Weekly Income |
|
1 |
16,335 |
1,361 |
628 |
314 |
|
2 |
22,065 |
1,839 |
848 |
424 |
|
3 |
27,895 |
2,316 |
1,070 |
535 |
|
4 |
33,525 |
2,691 |
1,290 |
645 |
|
5 |
39,225 |
3,271 |
1,510 |
755 |
|
6 |
44,985 |
3,749 |
1,730 |
865 |
|
7 |
50,715 |
4,226 |
1,950 |
975 |
|
8 |
56,445 |
4,704 |
2,170 |
1,085 |
|
For each add'l person, add: |
5,730 |
478 |
220 |
110 |
In addition, bring photo ID, proof of household income, and Social Security cards for each person in the household. People may apply THROUGH THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 12. Just go to Antioch Family Life Center, 1921 SE Indiana, from 9 am to 1 pm thru Friday, or Let's Help, 200 S. Kansas Ave., from 3 pm to 7 pm thru Friday. Both spots will take applications from 9 am to 1 pm Saturday. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, MAKE SURE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS AND APPLY BY SATURDAY!! There's no need for anyone to go without when our community has proven year and after year how generous it will be.
Of course, that's the second half of the equation! Last year, 2800 families - more than 8000 people in all - were adopted through the Christmas Bureau. If you and your family, business or organization are able to give someone else a happy holiday, please consider adopting a family. Forms are available online at www.unitedwaytopeka.org. You also can call 2-1-1 anytime to get further details.
The Christmas Bureau is definitely one of the programs that makes our community great. It shows how much we care about one another. Let's keep the spirit going!
