HOPKINS COUNTY, KY - Every year at the beginning of the holiday season the Madisonville/Hopkins County Assistance Center (MHCAC) sets forth on an endeavor called The Teen Shopping Program. This program, under the leadership of current Director Bobbi Wilcox, is designed to raise money for local low-income teens. For children under the age of 12 the county has the Angel Tree program. In many cases, however, low-income teens are looked over and do not receive anything for the holidays. The Teen Shopping Program was created to fill in that age gap.

Created over 40 years ago by the MHCAC, the program invites the general public, as well as local businesses, to make donations and provide fund raisers for the cause.  Once the final collection date is reached, Wilcox and staff meet up with eligible families at the Vanity Fair Mall in Hanson. From there they give the teens a gift card and allow them to go shopping. The only rule is that the teens spend the money on clothing to wear to school or church.

Last year the program raised $12,000.00 for local youth. According to Wilcox, this year the goal is $15,000.00. Currently the Teen Shopping Program has gathered roughly $6,500.00 for the cause.  This program does not receive any funding from grants, federal, state or local.

“This is a worthy program,” said Wilcox. “All of the money that is raised stays within the Hopkins County area. I know this community will come together and help us meet our goal for these teenagers. We just want everyone to have a merry Christmas.”

If you would like to volunteer to help with The Teen Shopping Program or donate funds, contact Bobbi Wilcox at (270) 821-8114 Monday through Friday. You may also mail donations to PACS-HCAC, PO Box 427, Madisonville, KY 42431. Alternately, you may drop off donations at 130 Branch Street in the city of Madisonville.

J. L. Graham
iSurf News
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