For almost three decades, one of Santa Claus’ most efficient helpers in Oglethorpe County has been Community Christmas.
Community Christmas is a non-profit that plans to help an estimated 350 children from 160 families across the county this year with presents around the holidays, but also through financial assistance in moments of crisis or need.
“It’s going really well,” co-chair Catherine Bowen Drewry said. “We’re gonna have similar numbers to last year.”
Recently, the group helped a father get a new transmission for his car, thanks to donation money.
“You just really get to hear their story and what they may be going through,” said April Moore, a fellow co-chair.
This year, volunteers have also noticed one specific issue — families affected by the housing crisis.
“What we’re seeing with, especially some of the new people, is difficulties with housing, with finding a place to live that they can afford,” Bowen Drewry said.
To help with needs, Community Christmas has raised around $85,000 in toys and donations from groups ranging from the local American Legion to Johnson & Johnson.
“One of the benefits is knowing that this is a local charity, and everything goes to the kids,” Bowen Drewry said.
Families are able to pick out approximately three toys per child, stocking stuffers and “plenty” of books. They will also get money to put toward outstanding bills — $100 for households and an additional $100 for every child living in that household.
“This year we were able to do a little more than we were last year, which is really good,” Bowen Drewry said.
Donations will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 16 at the following locations: Oglethorpe County Schools, Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office and Public Safety, Oglethorpe Animal Clinic, Dollar General in Lexington, Oglethorpe Children’s Academy, The Commercial Bank or at communitychristmasoglethorpe.org.
The holiday toy drive sponsored by public safety is scheduled for 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the courthouse in Lexington. To participate, bring a new, unwrapped toy.
“People enjoy the true meaning of Christmas, which is giving back,” Moore said.