Fayette County churches are preparing to provide assistance to needy families for Christmas this year with the support of the Fayette Alliance Coordinating Teamwork Outreach and Resources (FACTOR). FACTOR is the local collaborative made up of individuals who help meet children and families’ needs. Community Partners Christmas Program, a community-wide Christmas event, is in need of sponsors and is turning to the community for help.

The families served through this program have to meet a standard of financial need, and they are families who would not be able to provide Christmas for their children without help from their community. If you, your co-workers, family, or friends are interested in sponsoring a family this Christmas, you may sign up either through FACTOR’s website, www.gafcp.org/fcnetwork/fayette, or by calling the FACTOR office at 770-716-2797.

Those wishing to be a sponsor who opt to call are asked to leave a message including your name and phone number, and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Those who wish to sign up using the organization’s website should click under the “Christmas Program” link once on the website. Find the section titled Sponsor Application Process and follow these instructions:

• Copy the application form shown on your screen,

• Paste the form into a blank email message box,

• Answer all questions, and

• Email the form to [email protected].

Organizers request that all questions be answered before forms are submitted.

After the family interview process is complete the appointed liaison will contact sponsors with information about their adopted families. Sponsors will be responsible for purchasing gifts for children in the home who are 16 years of age and younger. If you wish to provide Christmas dinner or gifts for the adults in the home, you may do so, although it is up to the sponsor’s discretion. The recommended spending limit is $75 per child.

It is strongly suggested that gifts should be delivered by Monday, Dec. 17.

Many in the business arena and other parts of the community have helped to make this program a success for many years, and organizers are confident that this year will be a great holiday season for the needy families in the county.

For those requiring more information, you may contact FACTOR by phone or at their website.