Plans for “Project Merry Christmas” have been announced for the upcoming holiday season.

The annual holiday program administered by the Marengo County Department of Human Resources helps raise money to meet the needs of many needy children and adults in this area at Christmas.

According to Tawanna Jones, coordinator of the project, $23,000 in cash and toy donations was raised last year for county residents. The program in primarily for children, but needy adults in the DHR caseload are served as well.

Letters will be sent to past participants and potential future participants requesting financial support for the program.

“Individuals, churches, Sunday School classes, businesses, schools, individual classrooms, school groups, social and civic clubs and organizations make up the composite profile of the Project Merry Christmas donor,” Jones said.

Individuals wishing to participate in the program who have children ages 2 to 12 must complete the application, which is available at the DHR office in Linden. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 21, and will be screened by agency staff.

Applications that are accepted are either sponsored by local organizations, church groups, businesses or individuals, or they will receive a voucher. The amount of the voucher depends on the funds available and the number of children in the family. Vouchers can be taken to participating merchants in the area and exchanged for toys.

“Merchants go to extra efforts to complete paperwork necessary for tracking funds,” Jones said, “and we appreciate their participation through the years.

For more information about “Project Merry Christmas,” contact Tawanna Jones at 295-2027.