Manchester Family Service Christmas Shop–Adoption program and gift giving

Marlene Uphaus, Dick Fielder, Betty Schneider and Mary Sue Moore surrounded by the groceries for the 2015 Manchester Family Services Christmas shop.

The Manchester Family Service (MFS) exists to provide aid to many families and individuals in the community. As the holiday season approaches, we seek ways to brighten their lives through our annual Christmas Project. Through the project, MFS coordinates the efforts of individuals, organizations, and businesses in our community to provide gifts, food, warm clothing, and other items to those we serve. We are asking for your assistance in making this project a success again in 2016.

All donated items are distributed at our annual “Christmas Shop” on Saturday, December 17 from 9 am-12 noon at the gym in the Manchester Community Schools Administration Building (the old Middle School) at 610 City Road. On Friday, December 16, the gym will be open from 9 am-5 pm to receive donations. Coats, boots, sweaters, hats, and gloves are gladly accepted as well as toys and household items such as sheets, towels, blankets, dishes, kitchen items, and Christmas decorations. Groceries (no glass containers please) and paper products are much needed items that are also distributed at this time. Please, no clothing or shoes, other than what has been specified. You can enter through the door from the parking lot and go straight down the hall to the gym.  

Our popular “Christmas Adopting” project is for organizations, local businesses, and families or individuals that wish to enter into the spirit of giving by purchasing gifts for one of our seniors, singles, and/or families who have indicated that they would like to be adopted. Information on gender, age and gift ideas for each individual as well as a suggested range of spending is available. Gifts should not be wrapped. If you wish to take part in this project by adopting a family, contact John Sahakian at 734-428-7183 or email manchesterfamilyservice@gmail.com. For Seniors or Singles, contact Marlene Uphaus at 734-428-8403 or email, muphaus@aol.com.

These gifts can be brought to the Manchester Schools Board room in the Administration Building at 410 City Rd. on Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec. 13 & 14 between the hours of 2-7 pm.

Donations of items to Manchester Family Service are considered tax exempt to the extent of the law. Manchester Family Service, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Preparing for the 2015 MFS Christmas shop are board members Dick Fielder, Jan Davis, and Lon Nordeen.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.