Five hundred forty-five children from 228 families received Christmas presents last year thanks to Turning Point’s Holiday Magic program.

The program matched over 140 local sponsors with local families in need. 

“We experienced increased need this year,” Turning Point Executive Director Shirley Santos said in a press release, “and the public responded with more generosity.”

Over 50 Turning Point volunteers operated two drive-up distribution centers for donated toys and gifts. 

“It’s a lot of work,” Santos said, “but it’s worth it, and with the whole community coming together to give children in need a happier holiday, it’s a really good feeling.”

Santos thanked the Wareham Police Association, Wareham Fire Department, Onset Fire Department, Department of Natural Resources, Transportation Department, Wareham Public Schools, Elicier Cleaning, Toys for Tots and the many other businesses, organizations and churches that held toy and clothing drives. 

The Wareham Area Committee for the Homeless (WACH), a 501c3 nonprofit organization d/b/a/Turning Point, serves homeless and near homeless people in the communities of Middleboro, Wareham, Carver, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Buzzards Bay.  Donations can be sent to WACH d/b/a Turning Point, 3 Viking Drive, Wareham MA 02571 or visit Turning Point online at turningpointwareham.org.  Volunteers are welcome and greatly appreciated throughout the year.