Wilkins & Associates brightens Christmas

Milford - The staff of Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. is getting in the Christmas spirit by adopting families from Children and Youth in Monroe and Pike counties and making their holidays happier. Co-workers at all eight offices of Wilkins & Associates contributed, says Vice President/General Manager Dominick J. Sacci. “We had near 100% participation from our agents.” This is about the fourth year the company has collected donations for the children, and also puts a corporate contribution in the budget every year. Each office adopts a family, and while they don’t specifically know who that family is, they receive the family’s Christmas wish list. As he heads out to finish shopping, Sacci sees Dad might just want a shirt or simply presents for his kids. “It really humbles you and reminds us of the true message of Christmas,” he remarks. Jessica Barrett at Monroe County Children & Youth in Stroudsburg wears many hats as advisor/coordinator, case worker and community outreach representative - and at this time of year add “Santa” to that list. “Last year we did 1300 children,” she says, and the need grows every Christmas. About 40 companies and churches are involved, she notes, and they contact her and ask how they can help. Some adopt kids and others donate cash, food and gift cards. “I make sure every kid gets three gifts,” Barrett says, and when it seems they won’t have enough, “Somehow a Christmas miracle works out.” Caseworkers talk to the foster children and families in Monroe County served by Children & Youth and find out what they’d like for Christmas, such as Elmo and arts and crafts, and what they need, like warm clothes. The need is great for some parents, too, she adds, like a single mom who has only one outfit to wear to work. Wilkins’ offices in Dingmans Ferry and historic Milford contributed to families in their communities through the Children & Youth of Pike County, located at 506 Broad St., Milford. Agency Director Anna Roberts-Euhl estimates that about 60 families receive toys, winter coats, clothing and donations of Christmas dinners. “We are fortunate individuals in the community ask to donate,” she says. Contributions come from area churches, Toys for Tots and a handful of private residents and companies, and go to foster children and families throughout the county to help them have a Merry Christmas.