DOVER — The charity and grant organization CenDel is partnering with the Rachel Leigh (Gentsch) Baynard Memorial Fund to give Christmas gifts to 50 disadvantaged families this year. The fund was founded by Richard and Sue Gentsch in memory of their daughter Rachel, with a goal to help people in need in Central Delaware.

In December, CenDel, with the help of Division of Social Services Community Partner Support Unit team members from the James Williams Service Center, and a representative from the Dover Air Force Base, identified 50 families in need and provided funding for gift cards that were given as presents for teenagers and used to purchase food for families for Christmas dinner.

Over 400 gifts were purchased by the Gentsches over the course of the last year as well and on Dec. 9, parents of more than 100 children were able to select gifts for their children from a Christmas shopping center was set-up at the CenDel Community Building in downtown Dover,

The fund has provided Christmas presents for needy families, coats for school age kids, school supplies for students in need, gifts for seniors in nursing homes and clothing and beds for the homeless community for seven years.

Since 2008, the CenDel Foundation has distributed grants and funding to a variety of organizations in Central Delaware. More information can be found at www.cendelfoundation.org or by calling 302-724-7538.