12/23/2009 9:56:00 PM
Group ensures happy holidays for needy families
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Courtesy photo
Toni Ketchum worked with Catholic Charities to locate 30 families in the quad-city area to benefit. |
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During most of the year employees of Yavapai County's Development Services work with homeowners and developers, helping them with a variety of zoning and permit issues.
But at Christmastime, their thoughts turn to those less fortunate who need their help.
Forty of the 50 Development Services employees played Santa, donating the $778 that Toni Ketchum, who spearheaded the drive, and others, used to buy toys and clothing for needy families. Working with Catholic Charities, they located 30 families in the quad-city area to benefit from their largesse, including 30 children. The employees also collected six cases of food for a local food bank.
County employees at the Cottonwood office have a similar program.
"I'm real proud of them all for doing this, especially in these times," said Steve Mauk, the interim director of Development Services.
"Some families needed shirts and clothing items and other families needed toys," Ketchum said. "We bought a lot of games. I only got very limited information (about what items were needed)."
For example, Ketchum has a request for toys for a 19-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl.
"I had no idea of what to do," she said. So she bought both games. In another family, a boy wanted a CD and a girl wanted a Moxie Girl doll.
Employees also wrapped all the donated gifts before Ketchum, whose county job entails assigning addresses and naming new roads, delivered them.
"I think it's always something nice to do," Ketchum said, when asked why she does this year after year. "Even though times may be hard for us, it's probably harder for someone else."
The Prescott Valley resident and mother of four girls ages 3 to 7 also is proud of her ability to find bargains and get the most for her money.
"I know where to shop and how to get deals," Ketchum said.
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Posted: Friday, December 25, 2009
Article comment by:
Bunco buddy
Toni is truly an angel in disguise...lovingly thinks of others and has a heart of gold!
Posted: Friday, December 25, 2009
Article comment by:
DK
Such a precious, and a loving young lady, Bless you, and your beautiful family, love Denny K
Posted: Thursday, December 24, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Way to go Toni, another year you have stepped up and been a gift to the community!
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