Neediest Families Fund Drive's goal this year is $300,000
BY SHANNON MUCHMORE World Staff Writer
Thursday, November 22, 2012
11/22/12 at 7:38 AM
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The Tulsa World Neediest Families Fund Drive has raised more than $5 million since 1993 and has a goal this year of reaching $300,000,
Last year, donors exceeded the same goal by giving $334,888 to help families in need during the holiday season.
The precursor to the Neediest Families Fund was the Santa Pal project, which The Tulsa Tribune began in 1928. Twenty-five families were adopted in the first year.
The name of the program was changed to Neediest Families in 1930 and by 1939 the project had grown to assisting 160 families.
The Tribune began partnering with The Salvation Army for the project in 1948 and the partnership with that agency continues to this day.
The Tulsa World took over the tradition in 1992, when The Tulsa Tribune closed.
Maj. Jim Taylor, Salvation Army Tulsa Area commander, said that many people in the area have had it tough recently. "I know that 2012 has been a difficult year for a lot of families," he said.
Many of the people The Salvation Army assists have jobs. Others can't work because of medical conditions or were recently laid off.
Many are still struggling with expensive bills from this year's hot summer, he said.
The money donated goes to The Salvation Army, which distributes vouchers and material gifts. None of the money goes directly to the families, he said.
Donations go to a good cause at a crucial time of year, he said.
"We need this in order to make Christmas wonderful for a lot of families," he said.
Original Print Headline: Fund drive's goal this year is $300,000
Shannon Muchmore 918-581-8378
shannon.muchmore@tulsaworld.com
