Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona announces application dates, major program change

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Gifts for Winona program has announced that it is setting age requirements for applicants this year.

Because of the economy, a record number of individuals are expected to apply this year. The Winona Food Shelf is reporting a 21 percent increase in families using its services. (Eight hundred families are using the food shelf per month.) With more families asking for help and a smaller number of people who are in a position to donate, the program is being adapted this year. The program’s main priority is to provide gifts to children 18 years of age and younger and individuals 60 years of age and older. Families will only be able to report gift requests for family members in these age ranges.

The annual gift-giving program — in its eighth year — helps more than 1,800 people have a much happier holiday season. The program has grown significantly each year.

Families may pick up an application form through one of the human service agencies that they work with (Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Project FINE, Semcac, Winona County Department of Human Services, Winona Senior Advocacy Program, Winona Volunteer Services, Winona Red Cross or Women’s Resource Center).

Completed application forms must be returned to Winona Volunteer Services (402 E. 2nd St.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 23 or 30, or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 24 or 31. SMU student volunteers will be available for assistance on these dates.

This program exists through the generosity of the Winona community, as well as the work of other community partners including: Winona Volunteer Services, Winona Radio and the Winona Post.