Holiday Time is a Busy Time at the PRC

It seems the Pawling Resource Center is always a beehive of activity, and beginning in November, many holiday programs that assist neighbors in need begin to unfold.  Although the coat drive officially ended on November 30^th, the PRC will continue to accept new or gently used coats for all ages.  Coats may be dropped off at the PRC (the carriage house at  26 East Main Street) during regular business hours throughout the winter months.  In 2024, more than 300 coats were donated and distributed at the center, setting a record for community generosity.

With the Christmas holiday just around the corner, the PRC is gearing up for its Christmas holiday basket distribution program.  Baskets provided all the ingredients needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal to our neighbors in need in November, and Christmas holiday baskets will be available this month.  Families who wish to participate should sign up for Christmas baskets through this special food distribution program.  Baskets will be available at the PRC during the week leading up to the holiday.  The PRC is seeking donations of non-perishable holiday food items such as canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potato mix.  Financial contributions to defray the cost of purchasing turkeys, chickens, and ham will also be greatly appreciated.  In 2024, because of the generosity of the Pawling community, the PRC was able to distribute 108 holiday food baskets.

The PRC’s Adopt-a-Family program is now in full swing.  Community sponsors are each anonymously matched with a local family to provide gifts from the family’s holiday wish list of needed clothing items and one special desired toy for the children.  Those still interested in participating, either as adoptee family or as adopter, may contact the PRC prior to the final date of December 5^th.  After that date, community members who wish to participate will be encouraged to purchase “community pool” type gifts for families that did not register in time.  These would include toys for children of all ages as well as clothing items such as hats, scarves, and gloves.  Gift distribution will take place on December 15^th and 16^th.  During the 2024 holiday season, 50 families, including 110 children, were adopted by the members of the Pawling community.  

Adopt-a-Family paperwork for both adopters and adoptees is available at the PRC and can be picked up in person or requested by email to info@pawlingresourcecenter.org.  The PRC will close by noon on December 24^th, and will be closed on December 25^th and 26^th and on January 1^st and 2^nd.  Information about available services and PRC regular business hours may be found on the PRC website at pawlingresourcecenter.org.