COVID causes dire need of donations, volunteers for Onslow's Christmas Cheer

Onslow Christmas Cheer is in dire need of donations and volunteers this year as COVID-19 has led to a higher need.

According to their Facebook page, Onslow Community Outreach's Christmas Cheer helps Jacksonville and Onslow County residents in need celebrate the Christmas holiday with food and gifts for their family.

COVID-19 has played a big role this year as to the number of families in need of assistance.

"A lot of the applications that have come in, the families have been extremely affected by COVID, either from losing jobs or family members passing away," said Executive Director C.J. Crooks. "In some instances, one parent passing, and then the other parent finding themselves to be a single parent trying to make ends meet that are already difficult before the holiday season."

This is Crooks' first year with Community Outreach, and he said after looking back at previous years, the cases seem to be more dire this year than others.

"Even our active duty service members, which I never expected to have the need that I'm reading about," Crooks said. "It's more need than I would expect."

Nonprofit President Dr. Don Herring said they're trying to get the wheels turning again after the craziness of the pandemic. He said the biggest aspect is getting the public back involved with Christmas Cheer as they've done for more than 30 years.

According to Crooks, Christmas Cheer serves 1,500 families and 2,500 children in a normal year. However, this year is far from normal.

Herring said the biggest need for volunteers will come during the distribution days, which start on Dec. 18, and will run through Dec. 20 or 21, depending on the need. Volunteers will serve as shoppers for the clients and help build food boxes.

"Volunteers are helpful and vital to success," said Herring.

Christmas Cheer is accepting donations of unexpired canned and dry food, and unwrapped toys/gifts for all ages, though gifts for teen boys are especially needed.

If you are in need of assistance, there is still time to apply for Christmas Cheer. Bring a piece of mail from your utility company or local government along with Social Security cards for each person in the household to 1210 Hargett St. in Jacksonville on Friday, Dec. 10, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Donations can be dropped off at at 1210 Hargett St. in Jacksonville between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Donations can also be directly purchased through Walmart and Amazon. Financial contributions can also be made through Christmas Cheer - Onslow Community Outreach or GiveLively.

Eligibility Director Ingrid Littlejohn wants everyone who needs help to apply. She said they look at the number of people in your household, income, expenses, and a statement of why you need help. Littlejohn also said they want names and dates of births in order to make sure they have age-appropriate toys.

"It doesn't matter who you are, as long as you're an Onslow County resident," Littlejohn said. "A lot of people feel that if you're undocumented, that you can't apply. Any child in Onslow County whose parents need help with Christmas, we want them to apply."

If you'd like to volunteer for Christmas Cheer, you can visit United Way of Onslow and choose the shift or shifts you'd like to work.

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Onslow Christmas Cheer in need of donations, volunteers