OGDEN -- Area families who are stretching their budgets this year have an opportunity to provide themselves with an inexpensive Christmas gift.
For the second year, Help Portrait will offer free professional family portraits to those who attend a photo shoot from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Marshall White Center, 222 28th St.
Families are encouraged to sign up now for the event to facilitate scheduling.
"Sometimes in hard economic times, when people are struggling to make ends meet, photos are not something people will typically spend money on," said Julia Malstrom, family self-sufficiency program coordinator for the Ogden Housing Authority. "The professional photographers that come and help out do it because it's an opportunity to give back."
Malstrom said last year 133 portraits and CDs with images for additional prints were given to families.
She said many have expressed their thrill in receiving the pictures, including clients at Ogden Housing Authority who are still talking about how meaningful it has been for them to have a picture of their family hanging on their wall.
"A lot of the people who participate have been kind of estranged from their families and have only had phone contact," Malstrom said. "A lot of their families don't even know what they look like, so for them to be able to share a photograph is meaningful."
While the event is designed for the low-income, Malstrom said all who desire to take part are invited to do so as long as there are time slots available.
She said each family gets a 15-minute window for their photo shoot.
In addition to needing families to sign up, Malstrom said she needs volunteers to help the event run smoothly and one or two more professional photographers to donate their services. She currently has four photographers.
"This event would not be possible without the photographers who are willing to share their expertise and talents," she said. "It wouldn't be possible without their willingness to do this, and of course, Marshall White Center and their willingness to host the event there."
Donations also may be made to Help Portrait, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Those who want to volunteer, schedule an appointment for a photo or get more information may call Malstrom at 801-627-5851, extension 118, or email her at ohafss@xmission.com.
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