TARCOG seeks sponsors for Winter Wishes gifts to senior citizens

NORTH ALABAMA – The classic image of pajamas-clad children rushing down the stairs to marvel at stacks of gifts under the Christmas tree . . . The image is a beautiful one but does not consider many senior citizens who may not have one gift on Christmas morning.

That disparity can be resolved with the “Winter Wishes 2025” program, founded and coordinated by the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments or TARCOG.

“TARCOG’s Winter Wishes campaign is in full swing. The annual drive ensures the region’s aging and disabled clients are not forgotten during the holidays,” Winter Wishes Campaign Coordinator Lamiesha Wright said.

“For many years, incredible sponsors have helped fill countless wishes for TARCOG clients in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties,” Wright said. “We are currently seeking sponsors for this year’s campaign.”

Case managers worked throughout the month of September to collect up to three wishes from clients. Currently, Wright is now starting to share those wishes with interested sponsors.

“In this program, we ask interested sponsors to fill at least one of the wishes on a person’s list,” Melissa Brinkley said. Brinkley works as Medicaid Waiver Program Manager.

“In the past, we’ve had amazing sponsors who have fulfilled every wish and then some. It is always a beautiful and uplifting time of year to see how giving our communities are to those who truly may not receive any other type of gift,” Brinkley said.

Sponsors range from interested individuals to churches, social groups, clubs, neighborhoods and other residents of North Alabama.

Wright distributes the wishes to sponsors starting in October. In November, sponsors begin dropping off gifts at TARCOG’s office at 7037 Old Madison Pike, Suite 450 in Huntsville. Throughout December, TARCOG staff members act as elves to deliver gifts to participants.

Anyone can be a sponsor, Brinkley said. She encourages anyone interested in participating in Winter Wishes 2025 to contact Wright by calling 256-830-0818 or emailing lamiesha.wright@tarcog. us.

For more information, visit tarcog.us.