Seekonk Human Services Dept. Getting Ready for the Holidays

The holidays are right around the corner and Seekonk Human Services is getting in the spirit by preparing for its holiday assistance programs. They are hoping the community will once again support their Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives, fuel assistance and “Christmas is for Kids” program, which provides toys to many children who might otherwise go without.

Human Services will again be providing Thanksgiving baskets to more than 80 families, according to Ashley Cartwright, Senior Secretary. Requests for baskets are due by Wednesday, Nov. 18. The department also delivers 25-30 hot turkey dinners to homebound individuals in town. The hot meals are prepared by Outback Steakhouse. Requests for the hot meals are due by Fri, Nov. 14.

Human Services also helps families on Christmas. Any family interested in signing up children for the “Christmas is for Kids” program must fill out a form at the Human Services office on Pleasant Street. The program is for children under the age of 13 and wish lists are due by December 11.  Human Services has been running the program for about three years. Last year about 20 children received gifts. Donors can sign up to “adopt-a-family” and buy the gifts on their lists.  “Christmas is for Kids is a big program and we’re happy to do it,” Cartwright said.

Human Services also delivers hot meals and food baskets for Christmas. The deadline to sign up for a Christmas food basket or hot meal is Friday, December 18. Approximately 35 Christmas baskets were delivered last year. One family in Seekonk, who prefers to remain anonymous, donates the hot meals and delivers the food. They usually bring hot meals to about 30 families.

Human Services also has a Fuel Assistance Program for residents which begins November 1. It is open to previous applicants and new applicants. Anyone interested should call Human Services as soon as possible to schedule an appointment at 508-336-8772.

Anyone can find themselves in a situation where they need some assistance. Although the economy is improving, there are still people facing lay-offs, seniors juggling fixed incomes and others who just can’t make ends meet.  “The need has increased over this year,” said Cartwright.

The Human Services Department wants everyone to have a wonderful Christmas and hopes the community will help by donating non-perishable food for the baskets and making monetary donations for the food and fuel assistance programs.

Seekonk Human Services is located at 320 Pleasant Street. Donations can also be mailed in. Please make checks payable to “Town of Seekonk” and write “holiday donation” or “fuel donation” in the memo line.  Hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and evening hours by appointment only.  If you have questions on any of the holiday programs, please call Cartwright at 508-336-8772.