High school club collecting toys, money for hospital

The Brown County Interact Club is collecting donations of money and new toys for the Riley Cheer Guild.

New craft kits, play-doh sets, dolls, trucks and cars and infant toys are being accepted. All items must be new and unopened in the original packages. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Donations can be made in the Brown County High School front office, 235 Schoolhouse Lane.

For more information, call 812-988-6606.

Holiday assistance available for Brown County

Local organizations are offering holiday assistance to the community depending on the need.

St. Vincent De Paul, 2901 Long Lake Road, will have its Christmas celebration on three Saturdays in December from 1 to 4 p.m. Families can register and remain in their vehicles until welcomed into the shopping area to select gifts. Masks will be required and families will be accompanied by a personal shopper to maintain social distancing. Call 812-988-8821 for more information.

The Brown County Children’s Fund gives Walmart vouchers for each child in a family. At least one child in the family must attend Brown County schools.

Speak with Brown County school staff or another child-serving agency to be referred to the programs.

Duke Energy offering funds to cover electric bills

Duke Energy has more than $460,000 set aside to help Indiana customers struggling to pay their electric bills this winter. The money comes from corporate and customer donations.

Duke Energy works with the Indiana Community Action Association and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s Energy Assistance Program, which determines eligibility and distributes the company’s assistance funds. Qualifying Duke Energy customers who may be struggling to pay their electricity bills can receive up to $300.

Because of high demand, customers should first check with their local agency to make sure there are still funds available locally. The South Central Community Action Program office in Brown County can be reached at 812-988-6636 or [email protected].

For more information on the Helping Hand program, including eligibility for funds, participating agencies and how to make a donation, visit duke-energy.com/community/customer-assistance-programs/helping-hand.

For more information on how to cut costs and stay warm this winter, visit duke-energy.com/home/savings/winter-heating-energy-savings.

Turning Point has wish lists at Amazon, Walmart

Turning Point Domestic Violence Services is offering opportunities for anyone to shop for gifts for its clients online this year.

Each year Turning Point provides clients in need with the opportunity to receive gift assistance through donations. This year, 90 adults and 209 children are on the list.

“In years past, clients have been invited to shop, free of charge, in our office for their children’s holiday gifts,” a press release said. “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused much concern for the health and safety of our staff and clients and our usual Holiday Store shopping had to be changed.”

This year, donations can be made via online wish lists through Amazon.com and Walmart.com. Links to the lists can be found on Turning Point’s website, turningpointdv.org/events.

Turning point asks that all packages be delivered to the admin office at 1531 13th St., Columbus, IN 47201 and include a gift receipt in the package.