MURRAY, KY - This year, Murray Family Resource Youth Service Center (FRYSC) and The Den YSC anticipate serving as many as 350 children with Christmas needs. As an additional supplement to the yearly program, a new Tigers Wishes program for students with greater needs is available. The Tigers Wishes program is being offered for the first time this year based on past program experiences. Tiger Wishes does not replace Tiger Christmas, but instead extends the Christmas giving to specific students based on significant identified needs.
 
This new addition will provide children with greater needs to experience a special Christmas by shopping with a mentor. In the past few years, funding through outside entities was made available to selected students based on significant needs. With the assistance of an adult, students chose clothing needed most for the winter.  Parents picked up books and toys from FRYSC to allow for gifts on Christmas morning. The first year 50 students participated, and last year over 60 students were served through this shopping opportunity.
 
Julie Stone, FRYSC director, said the MISD would like to offer this Tiger Wishes program to at least 25 Murray Independent students. “In order to fund the shopping, we need 25 sponsors to donate a minimum of $100 by November 16, 2012,” she said. “A shopper will be eligible to volunteer as long as they have a current background check on file with our district.  In addition, the program is being arranged locally, so out of town travel will not be necessary.”
 
Donations for Tiger Wishes can be made to the Murray Board of Education at 208 S 13th Street, Murray, KY 42071. Shoppers will also be needed to assist each child selected to participate.
 
Tiger Christmas has not changed and is still a very important program for students. Participation is still encouraged in the program by contacting Julie Stone at 759-9592, or 753-4363, or Janeann Turner at 753-6565.  Some sponsors prefer to simply make a donation, while others want to choose the family and select the items needed. Gift card purchases from local stores will be donated Tiger Christmas for purchases. “Please consider making Christmas wishes come true for students at in our district and help them experience a very, merry Christmas,” Stone said.