Sharing holiday cheer in the community
By Katelynn Henry
There is something magical about the holiday season. It could be the warm drinks to fend off the cold, the brightly colored lights or the act of giving and receiving heartfelt gifts. Many can relate to the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning to see wrapped presents under the tree their family decorated together. Adams County Holiday Outreach exists to make the magic of the holidays accessible to everyone. “The spirit of the holiday season can be taken for granted,” says Ami Hines, board member and toy buyer. “We work hard to give every family the opportunity to feel the love and joy of the holidays.”
Established in 1953, Adams County Holiday Outreach has spent more than seven decades bringing holiday cheer to families and individuals in Adams County through toys and food certificates. Last year, the organization helped over 700 families, providing toys for roughly 1,400 children under
12 years old. It also distributed about 1,500 Kennie’s Markets food certificates to families. “Our goal every year is to help as many people as possible,” says Susan Cole, board member and co-chair. “It is the community’s support that keeps the operation going.”
Starting around September, the organization partners with local schools, the Adams County Office of Aging, the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) and the Adams County Community Foundation to gather referrals for the holiday program. “Many people don’t know they qualify for our program,” says Hines. “You could be doing just fine and then something big happens that you didn’t prepare for. We’re here to help every family, even those needing a little boost to get through the holidays.” The deadline to sign up for the outreach program was Oct. 31.
Every year on the second Saturday of December, volunteers gather at St. James Lutheran Church on York Street. With Christmas music playing, festive decorations and toys of every kind, they spend the day sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. Invited individuals go to the church at their designated time, and with their ticket they can shop through the selection of toys. “We do not allow children to attend the event,” says Cole. “We want to give parents the true experience of toy shopping and the ability to surprise their kids on Christmas morning.” The organization also partners with Rice Fruit Company to give every participating family a bag of apples.
Adams County Holiday Outreach could not accomplish its mission without the help of the local community. The organization appreciates the businesses and individuals who take the time to support its cause. “There are locals who spend all year knitting and crocheting hats, scarves and gloves for us to hand out,” says Cole. Although holiday is in the organization’s name, donations can be made any time throughout the year.
Supporting the organization can be more than giving holiday cheer to another family; it can also bring joy to your own family while creating long-lasting traditions. Hines remembers bringing her children with her to volunteer when they were little. Today, she finds joy in seeing them take the initiative to support those in need. Cole’s journey with the organization started six years ago when she overheard that they needed extra hands. “After volunteering the first time, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of,” she says. “There is something unique about coming together and giving the gift of Christmas.”
Adams County Holiday Outreach is a genuinely local effort; neighbors come together to help one another. All toy and monetary donations stay within Adams County. “Donating to national organizations is nice, but you may not know where your donation is going,” says Hines. “When you donate to Adams County Holiday Outreach, you give to the community.” The organization also prides itself on keeping administrative costs consistently under five percent; the remaining donations go directly to helping local individuals and families.
Adams County Holiday Outreach is about community, compassion and the reminder that the holidays are brighter when shared. “Everyone deserves to experience the joy of the holidays; every child deserves to have presents under the tree,” says Hines. “We want to share the holidays with everyone this year and for many years to come.”
Support Adams County Holiday Outreach
To ensure fairness, Adams County Holiday Outreach asks that each donated toy have a $20 value. Any businesses or individuals interested in donating toys, hats, gloves or scarves should call 717-398-1388 for more information.
Those who would like to support the organization and its mission can get involved or donate by visiting achfo.org.
