Kids of the Community ended the year with its annual Christmas extravaganza and helped make the season brighter for local children and families.

“Thanks to community support, we were able to provide Christmas for 115 children and 54 families this year,” said Christie Allison, Kids of the Community volunteer. “Words can’t express my gratitude for how this community supports Kids of the Community and its children. We couldn’t do it without everyone helping us.”

Each child is sponsored, meaning their gifts and stockings were purchased by someone in the community. Sponsors are given a list of items and a maximum spending limit in an effort to ensure each child receives the same number of presents at approximately the same cost. Children are allowed to request a “wish gift” under $25. 

This year’s largest sponsors were Bridgestone and Warren County School System employees. 

“The children love this event,” said Allison. “However, this is not a handout. They have to work for it. They have to attend at least six major events during the year and complete their community service work. Once they meet certain guidelines, then they can attend the Christmas party. We are trying to teach them that they can’t have something for free. You have to earn it.”

Santa Claus was on hand during festivities. Along with taking pictures with the children, he presented each with a candy cane. 

Families are given a laundry basket filled with bathroom items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo and toilet paper. They also receive a box of food purchased through Second Harvest Food Bank.

Kids of the Community is a community-based, entirely volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the ideal that all children have the right to be important, the right to be recognized, and the right to learn fundamental core values from responsible adults.