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Christmas Bureau gearing up for holidays

Story by Liz Zamora

4:08 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2008

"We had a senior citizen that all he wanted was laundry detergent," said Johnnie Lee Hooker.

That's just an example of one story that KMAJ disc jockies heard last year during it's Adopt-a-Family Radiothon. It's here where they get the donations. Listeners pledge during the event. The United Way's Christmas Bureau gives them out to needy families.

This year, the United Way's Volunteer Center Director Barbara Lundquist says they will start the effort as early as next week and are focusing on getting more seniors.

"It came out of a situation from the Radiothon. Everybody wants to adopt grandma and grandpa," said Lundquist.

Here's where they sign up needy families. They come in to the Sweet Building at 6th and Southwest Topeka Boulevard. Last year, the agency helped at least 2,700 families.

"The families that come through are what we call the working poor. They're working," said Lundquist.

Those who meet income guidelines will receive help. But those hit hard by the economy this year may not be eligible if they make too much money. If you were doing well during the first half of this year, but fall on hard times around the holidays, they can't help you.

"You can't because you've already made $50,000 this year," said Lundquist.

But Barbara says the more people helped here means a lighter load for other agencies. She says it's too soon to tell how the economy will affect those donating.

The United Way is also looking for volunteers to help out.

Find times and dates when families can apply to the Christmas Bureau here. Find income limits for families here.