WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — Christmas is 42 days away, and for many families, now is the time to start shopping for the kids' gifts.
However, not everyone is able to do so freely: some have to pinch pennies, especially those raising kids later in life and on a fixed income. The roles of grandma and grandpa may be taking on less traditional parameters for some, as the growing national data finds 2.1 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren.
With the holiday season approaching, and children looking forward to gifts, this could be a stressful time for some grandparents who are raising those children. Therefore, the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) has partnered up with Wood County Job and Family Services and Bowling Green Kiwanis, to hold its 10th annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Holiday Outreach Project.
WCCOA's Director of Programs, Danielle Brogley, said this project is aimed at helping grandparents living in Wood County who have custody and are raising their grandchildren, have a happy holiday.
"We have seen so many families that are truly struggling. They have their own diagnosis of cancer or other illnesses. The children have multiple medical issues. So, just to make this time of year very special for them has been so rewarding," Brogley said.
While this non-traditional family dynamic isn't new, it's becoming less rare, with U.S. data finding 3.2% of children are being raised by their grandparents. The family unit is sometimes referred to as a "grandfamily".
Since studies have shown older adults raising young children bring unique challenges, Brogley said the community has done amazing in helping these families in need who may not qualify for other holiday assistance programs.
"We do take community donations and all of those proceeds go towards adopting the families. We buy presents, in terms of gifts for children between the ages of 0 and 17, that includes books, games, clothing. Whatever they would need to make their holiday very special," Brogley said.
She said there's one gentleman who purchases and refurbishes bikes for children every year. So, every kid that asks for a bike gets one. In 2023, the project was able to help 17 families, including 44 grandchildren, for the holiday season.
Anyone looking to apply for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Holiday Outreach Project can do so. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. To receive an application, contact the WCCOA Programs Department at 419-353-5661 or toll-free at 800-367-4935. The application is also available online. Click here to learn more.