PANAMA CITY — Even though Santa unloaded his sleigh and headed back to the North Pole, the Humane Society of Bay County Thrift and Gift store still has a wish list.
The list includes such items as soap, laundry detergent, Purina Puppy Chow and others. The organization recently started the Wish List, so people can go online, view it and perhaps fill a need.
“We’re always in need of supplies,” said Brenda Leader, Humane Society of Bay County Thrift and Gift store manager. “Just because the season is over, doesn’t mean the need has disappeared. Our shelter is open year-round.”
The organization is among the many groups across the county still in need of the community’s generosity, even after the holidays end.
The store is fresh off its holiday pet photo shoot, held in November and December, yet it still needs help. The fundraisers brought in about half of the store’s goal of $3,000. Proceeds were given to the Humane Society.
The Panama City Rescue Mission also benefited greatly from the community during the holiday, even saw an increase, but the need persists.
“While the community is more apt to pay attention to the plight of their neighbors in need during the holidays, those neighbors still need community support throughout the year,” said Lisa Nixon Mabry, Rescue Mission communications manager.
The mission’s doors are open year-round and it feeds the hungry and helps those who need to find work and sobriety year-round. Because of those endeavors, Mabry said the mission needs the community to support these efforts throughout the year.
After the holidays, the mission still is in constant need of cleaning materials, socks, laundry detergent, underwear, toiletries, soap and other items, Mabry said.
“The greatest need right now is focusing on our addiction recovery program as we see the opioid epidemic in our community take its toll on families and loved ones. We need the continuing support of our community to help those in need from this sweeping crisis,” she said.
People can help by donating to the Panama City Rescue Mission recovery program, Mabry said.
“We receive a variety of donations throughout the year and, specifically, during the holidays,” she said. “We receive a mixture of monetary and in-kind donations. In-kind donations include items like food, clothing, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.”
The next large donation period will arrive around Easter, she said. The organization sees a drop in collections during the summer months.
“Our lowest time of year is spring and summer as families take vacations and have the kids at home more, therefore, costing more money than when they’re in school,” she said.
The Salvation Army is another prime example of an organization that sees an influx of donations during the holidays, then, as it trails off, tries to make those donations last throughout the year. The red kettles and their volunteers have been a fundraising staple for the Salvation Army but eventually the bells stop ringing, and sometimes people forget the organization serves throughout the year.
This season the Panama City organization received almost $216,000 in donations from the Empty Stocking Fund as well, money aimed at supporting needy families who otherwise would not have gifts or food for Christmas.
“Everything went pretty good,” said Maj. Otis Childs, Salvation Army director. “During the Christmas season, people are more inclined to give.”
People tend to hold on to their wallets a little tighter during the summer months, as donations decrease for the organization.
“People will come in and donate through the year,” Childs said. “It’s not as concentrated as the holiday season. We always can use food. We like to keep our food pantry stocked. It goes pretty fast.”
Whether people choose to donate before, after or during the holiday season, Childs said those at the Salvation Army are grateful for their generosity.
“We thank everyone who does contribute,” he said. “Without their contributions and generosity we cannot do what we do.”