Community groups, clubs, church groups and individuals are helping to make the season a little brighter for area families this year.

Through Freeborn County Cares, a program of the United Way of Freeborn County, 107 families and individuals are receiving Christmas gifts. Families are referred to the program by United Way agencies, and sponsors go out and purchase gifts for the families. Families remain anonymous to the sponsors, who are given only ages of family members and some suggestions for gifts.

According to Deb Pena of the United Way, the goal of the program is to help people who wouldn’t qualify for other programs. &uot;They’re people who have slipped through the cracks,&uot; she said, adding the program helps people who have been dealing with things like health issues, and for which buying Christmas gifts is a struggle.

Pena said the program got its start last year because so many groups, including confirmation classes, wanted to sponsor families for Christmas. &uot;It was something that came about through the course of discussions,&uot; she said.

Pena said a number of workplaces have sponsored families. With Albert Lea Medical Center, several departments are participating. &uot;Some employees will sponsor a family in honor of their employer,&uot; Pena said.

The Salvation Army has also referred a number of families to the program because they don’t necessarily qualify for help because of income guidelines.

Last year, 49 families and individuals were helped through the program. In addition, 44 food baskets were purchased, then given out through churches within the county, Pena said. While sponsors have been found for all families who have been referred to the program, donations are still being taken for food baskets as well as any last-minute referrals to the program. Money is used strictly for the Freeborn County Cares program, Pena said.