Applications for FISH Holiday At Home
FISH HOLIDAY AT HOME 2026
(formerly The Christmas Store for Senior and Disabled)
Effingham County Senior/Disabled Citizens
GENERAL UPDATE:
Effingham County FISH volunteers will collect, pack and deliver senior citizens food bags along with small Christmas items the week of December 6 through 11.
Many of these Effingham County citizens may be alone during this joyous season. We wish to help make their Christmas a little brighter.
REGISTRATION:
Applications will be available November 1 through 22 at the FISH Service Center, Catholic Charities, Effingham Hi-Rise Office, Burton Devore, Slate Creek, CEFS Outreach Office, and Village Apartments.
DONATION INFORMATION:
Last year, 289 Effingham County Senior/Disabled Citizens received a grocery bag of non-perishable food, a half ham or 4 frozen chicken breasts, gift card for perishable food, a hand-made Christmas stocking filled with Christmas gifts, and a bag of personal and cleaning items.
It takes many donations to make these gifts possible. If you, your organization, or business would host a food and/or small gift drive for these special Effingham Citizens, please contact Karen at 217-821-0722.
NEEDED:
Individual serve meals, small portion foods, diabetic and gluten free food items.
Monetary donations will help purchase the meat and the grocery gift cards.
Please contact Karen at 217-821-0722 to coordinate your collection.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
Monday, December 7 – Thursday, December 10 at 9am
Food sorting and bag packing at the FISH Service Center.
Friday, December 11 from 9am to noon
Deliver Christmas bags, food and gifts.
Friday, December 11 – 1pm to finish;
Sort and set-up used toys, Christmas decorations, coats
Saturday, December 12 – 8am-1:30pm
FISH Warehouse open to distribute used toys, Christmas décor, coats.