United Way of Madison County and The Huntsville Times unite for the 15th year to match "HOLIDAY WISHES" with generous donors to "MAKE WISHES COME TRUE".

If you are a Madison County resident and have a unique need this holiday season (that is not able to be met by other services within our community), please write a letter to the "Holiday Wishes Volunteer Committee" describing your situation and identifying your unmet need.  Your letter will be received at certain drop off days and times as outlined below.  Holiday Wishes focuses on Madison County residents who have experienced a life emergency in recent months.  It may be a single mom facing a crisis who is unable to pay for both utilities and medicine this month, or a student who is in need of a computer for school whose parent was just laid off from work.

How to apply for a Holiday Wish:
All letters MUST be submitted in person at United Way of Madison County at an individual appointment on the day and times stated below with all required documentation. Appointments are required.

Office location: 701 Andrew Jackson Way, Huntsville, AL 35802

Dates for Submission:
October 16^th through October 31^st
Appointments can be made during the times listed below in 30 minutes increments by calling: 256-536-0745

Required Documentation:

Note: Letters will only be accepted for submission at the above listed times and dates, in person, at the United Way of Madison offices.  Letters cannot be accepted by other means (mail, fax or email).  Wishes can only be granted within the same household once in a five year period.

"Holiday Wishes is a powerful community collaboration between The Huntsville Times, United Way of Madison County, Christmas Charities Year Round, and Two Men and a Truck. The Huntsville Times donates their print space to highlight families in need and for the past 15 years The Times readers have invested generously to fulfill the needs. Christmas Charities Year Round stores the larger items that are donated until a delivery date can be arranged and helps with unfulfilled needs of the children. Two Men and a Truck donate their resources of manpower and logistics to make certain larger items arrive in good condition for families to enjoy. We are honored to serve these deserving families once again in this collaborative effort during the Holiday Season and say a special thank you to all who choose to invest in bringing real joy to these families this year.” -Wendy Kirk, Interim President/CPO

On Sunday, November 25^th, approximately 40 Holiday Wish letters will be published in The Times, allowing United Way of Madison County to united the donors and those in need.  The Times will also run follow-up stories, reporting on the overwhelming community response that is always seen from readers.

Individuals whose wishes are chosen for publication will be contacted by United Way of Madison County and all personal information will be kept confidential.  As wishes are adopted by generous readers, individuals will also be notified how to pick up the fulfilled wish.

United Way of Madison County and The Huntsville Times ask readers for gifts of requested items, cash, time and/or services (i.e. plumbing, roof repair, dental work, etc.).  Donations of working appliances or furniture will also be in great demand (United Way humbly requests these items to be taken by the donors directly to Christmas Charities Year Round for temporary storage, as we have no way to store or transport them prior to wish granting).  Remember, your generous gifts are tax deductible through United Way of Madison County.

Special Thank You: For the 5th year in a row, Two Men and a Truck will generously donate their time and manpower to deliver donated furniture and appliances from the temporary storage at Christmas Charities Year Round to the individual in need.  These larger item donations could not be facilitated without their generosity.

 Questions?  Call United Way at 256-536-0745 or email receptionist@uwhsv.org 

Helpful Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Wishes:

Do 

• DO include a phone number.  If you do not have a phone, ask a neighbor or close friend to share.  You may miss out on being adopted if we cannot get in touch with you quickly!
• DO make sure you include ALL PAPERWORK.  If there is a reason you are not including something, say why in your letter.  NO wish will be accepted without the proper paperwork.
• DO type your letter or write neatly. 
• DO include clothing/shoe sizes for yourself or your children if you are in need of the items.  However, if these items are the main contents of your wish, you will be referred to another agency.
• DO say why you are writing a wish letter. 

Don’t

• DON’T submit a wish for only toys and clothes for your children.  These wishes will be referred to Christmas Charities Year Round, Salvation Army Angel Tree or Toys for Tots.
• DON’T submit a wish for a car.  We will not grant any wishes for any type of vehicle.
• DON’T apply at more than one agency.  If you are accepted into one program, you are not eligible for another.  You must choose which program will best serve your needs.
• DON’T email or call in your wish.  Wishes must be submitted in person. 
• DON’T submit a wish if you have been adopted in the program in the past five years (since 2007). 
• DON’T submit a list of items that you want without a letter.
• DON’T wait till the last minute.  Wishes are due by October 31^st.  No wishes will be accepted after Oct 31^st.