Holiday giving begins for L.O.V.E Network

MARENGO — Calling themselves Lots of Very special Elves, L.O.V.E Network has started its annual holiday program. Every year, the Network gives financial assistance to low-income families and people in financial crisis so they can have a joyful holiday season.

Applications have been distributed in the HLV, Iowa Valley, Williamsburg, Amana and English Valleys School District. Beginning in mid-November, anyone wishing to buy gifts for the applicants can pick up cards and shop for the specific needs listed.

HLV

Red L.O.V.E. cards will be available on a Christmas tree at Victor’s Market before Thanksgiving. Shoppers will leave the top half of the card with contact information at the front counter, shop for the items on the card, wrap them and return them to Victor’s Market before Dec. 10.

In the HLV area, call Joan Doran at 319-330-4837 or Susan Wilgenbusch at 319-647-3727 for more information.

Iowa Valley

In the Iowa Valley school district, cards can be picked up from the Christmas tree at Grinnell Bank after Nov. 15. Wrapped gifts are due back under the tree by Dec. 7.

Anyone interested in donating money may do so at Grinnell State Bank, 1101 Court Ave., Marengo, IA 52301.

For more information, call Jane Fry at 319-350-1403.

Williamsburg, Amana

In Williamsburg and Amana school districts, gift tags will be available Nov. 15 at Williamsburg Farmer’s Trust and Saving Bank, Mercy Family Medicine in Williamsburg, Amana Family Practice and various churches in the community.

Wrapped gifts are due back at the location where the tag was taken by Dec. 8. Distribution of gifts will take place Dec. 11.

Monetary donations, which are used for family items that are not purchased with the gift tags, can be sent to Claudia Kleinmeyer, 158 Circle Dr., Williamsburg, IA 52361.

Contact Heather Subbert at 515-669-0658, Sandy Lynch at 319-430-7806 or Carmen Grimm at 319-389-3694 with questions.

English Valleys

In the English Valleys school district, gift tags will be available beginning Nov. 13 from local churches, English Valleys Malt Shop and North English Library. Gifts must be returned by Dec. 4.

Monetary donations may be sent to LOVE Network, P.O. Box 208, North English, IA, 52316.

Questions should be addressed to Sherry Garringer at 319-664-3025 during the day or 319-664-3701 in the evenings.