Children Benefit From Christmas Card Campaign

Something as simple as a new pair of shoes can significantly boost a student's odds of success in school. Other students might need medication, school supplies, a warm coat or a pair of glasses.

That's where NWA Media's Community Christmas Card campaign strives to make a difference.

All money donated to the Christmas Card is distributed to local school districts. Social workers and others in those districts use the money as they see fit to help students with specific needs.

"It's a way for us to help our readers provide a direct benefit to children in our area who need a little help, not just at the holidays but all year-round," said Rusty Turner, editor and publisher of NWA Media, the parent company of The TIMES of Northeast Benton County.

Donors may request their money go to a specific school district. The money is collected by NWA Media and turned over to the United Way of Northwest Arkansas, making all donations tax deductible.

NWA Media covers the administrative costs of handling the donations, so 100 percent of donations go to the school districts. The money is typically distributed to school districts in the spring.

Checks should be made out to the United Way of Northwest Arkansas/Community Christmas Card. They may be mailed to Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, c/o Community Christmas Card, P.O. Box 1607, Fayetteville, AR 72707. Donations also may be dropped off at any NWA Media office or made online at nwaonline.com/christmascard.

The names of individuals donating $2 or more will be printed in a full-page Christmas card published Dec. 25 in the daily papers and the week of Dec. 22 in the weekly papers. Donations received after Dec. 17 will appear in the daily papers only.