Potsdam Holiday Fund volunteers organize the food, clothing and gift vouchers given out Saturday. Front table, from left, are Sandy Henery, Amy Weil and Board President Pam Yugartis. Nancy Griffin, at back table, was a founder of the program over 30 years ago. NCNow photo

North Country This Week

POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Holiday Fund is continuing to make the holidays happier for hundreds of families in Potsdam and surrounding areas who need help, but it took on a different form this year due to the pandemic.

Participants received vouchers for food, clothing and gifts, rather than the usual “Santa’s Workshop” and food baskets.

In previous years, families have come to pick out gifts and clothing for their children These gifts were bought by donors from “giving trees” set up in the community. Also, food baskets were given to each family.

Due to safety concerns with the pandemic, families will instead redeem their vouchers at Potsdam grocery and clothing stores this year.

Households received food vouchers ranging from $60-$75, depending on family size.

Vouchers of $40 for clothing and $40 for gifts were given for each child in a household.

The Potsdam Holiday Fund serves families and senior citizens in need in Potsdam, Madrid, Hopkinton, Nicholville, Brasher Falls, Chase Mills, Fort Jackson, West Stockholm and Winthrop.

There were 257 families who were served, comprised of 422 children and over 400 adults this year,” said Pam Yurgartis, Board President of the Holiday Fund.

Yugartis, program organizer for 28 years, was one of many volunteers at the Potsdam Community Room Monday, getting ready for distribution of vouchers this weekend.

Also helping out was Potsdam Holiday Fund Vice President Nancy E. Griffin, one of the founders of the Potsdam Holiday fund more than 30 years ago.

"The Potsdam Holiday Fund is proud that 96 cents of every dollar we raised last year went directly to help those we serve," said Michael P. Griffin, Potsdam Holiday Fund Secretary:

Donations are still welcome and can be given online at potsdamholidayfund.org, or mailed with the form and check made payable to the Potsdam Holiday Fund, PO Box 827, Potsdam, NY 13676.

To request a giving card, email  info@potsdamholidayfund.org

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