FISH HOLIDAY AT HOME 2026 for Effingham County Senior/Disabled Citizens (formerly The Christmas Store for Senior and Disabled)
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, 2026.
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:
- FISH Service Center
- Catholic Charities
- Effingham Hi-Rise Apartments Office
- Burton Devore Apartments
- Slate Creek Apartments
- CEFS Outreach office
- Village Apartment
DONATION INFORMATION:
In 2025, 289 Effingham County Senior/Disabled Citizens received a grocery bag of non-perishable food, either 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 – 1 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.