NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARIETTA, OH,  --- Three organizations will receive Christmas gifts from Marietta Community Foundation because of an anonymous unrestricted year-end gift it received.

Three area organizations will receive $5,000 each to help them fulfill their mission.  "The choice was not easy, but the Foundation wanted to assist organizations that directly help families in time of need and especially this time of year."  Carol Wharff, Executive Director of the Foundation, states.

The Washington County Secret Santa Program will receive $5,000.  "After reading about the Secret Santa program and their short-fall, the decision was made to help this group reach their goal and brighten Christmas for a number of children that would otherwise not have gifts on Christmas day."  Wharff said. 

Caring Connection will also receive a gift of $5,000.  "We work closely with the Caring Connection throughout the year and know how much they help families in need."  They provide referral, coordination and direct delivery of basic human services.  They are also the primary source of emergency prescriptions for individuals living in Washington County who are not covered by Medicaid or an insurance program.  "With the number of lay-offs in the area, more and more families are going to need the help of organizations such as the Caring Connection."

The Community Food Pantry is the third organization to receive a gift of $5,000.  "We feel almost certain, the Food Pantry will continue to see an increase in families needing help.  Food is a basic need that must be met for the health and well being of individuals.  There is no question about the necessary service this organization provides."  Wharff states.

"It's always so fun and rewarding when we can make surprise gifts such as the ones made today.  We would love to be able to do this all the time.  We;re honored when someone entrusts us with an unrestricted gift.  We want to ensure that the community will benefit."

If you would like to make a gift the Foundation, please send it to P.O. Box 77, Marietta, OH or for more information about the Foundation, please call 740-376-4380.