10/21/2026
I wanted to take a moment to pass along information on the Friends of Coal Giving Hands Christmas gifts & food baskets. This partner has been supporting military families for the last 15 years because they want to make a difference. They do not ask for any financial background and they trust that if you say a family has a need, then their job is to fill that need. Below is a few bullet points about their program.
• Assist with Christmas presents for military kids ages 0-16
o Age appropriate gifts
o Clothing that includes outfit, jammies & outerwear
• Assist with Food Basket for the total number of people living in the home
o Canned goods
o Canned Ham
o *Sometimes will provide extra items if donated, always unsure until we arrive for pick up
• Not based according to income, if a military family brings up the need FOC will serve them
o Referrals can come from Family Program staff and/or unit command staff
• If a military family identifies a special need ie specific baby formula or equipment needed, they will adjust their giving to accommodate
• External deadline: 10 November
• Pick Up of Gifts & Food Boxes: 11 December
o Working with Family Programs staff & unit volunteers we will work out delivery plans to get items from the FOC Beckley locations to where the families are located, more information on delivery plans will be decided as we get closer and understand location needs
Link for Military Families to Apply:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/WVNationalGuardChildYouthProgram/_26OSCFAMILYREGISTRATION
If we have someone/group identify that they would like to help families out after the FOC Deadline, the link to track is:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/WVNationalGuardChildYouthProgram/_26OSCSPONSORREGISTRATION
There are also QR codes attached for the Service Member to apply or a sponsor, along with a flyer explaining the Friends of Coal’s mission.
Point of contact is Mrs. Susan Izzo at (304) 561-6720 or [email protected] or Ms. Isabelle Melton at (304) 922-9220 or [email protected]
