By Beth Taylor
On December 13, Secret Families Christmas Charity of Hamilton County will deliver Christmas to seven deserving local families. This charity originated in Delaware County in 2004, serving two families its first year. Last year, the organization served 287 families.
“A lot of people don’t think there’s a need in Hamilton County, but there is assuredly a need here,” said Tom Flanagan, executive director of the local extension.
Partnering with schools, families are identified. Names of those being helped are kept confidential.
“We work with the local HSE elementary schools to help families with young children,” Flanagan said. “We work with the schools and ask for three or families of those families who won’t have Christmas if someone doesn’t intervene.”
The families are given all that is needed to make a memorable family Christmas.
“They get a set up and decorated Christmas tree, and each person of the family gets wrapped gifts. Meijer stores generously donate $50 gift cards to purchase Christmas dinner, and a Bible is included,” he said.
Secret Families of Hamilton County is seeking volunteers to shop for presents, deliver and set up Christmas trees, wrap presents and deliver the presents to families.
“We hope to help seven or eight families this year. We hope in the second year to help 25-50 families,” he said.
For more information on how you can contribute to Secret Families Christmas Charity of Hamilton County, email [email protected]. To watch a new clip on the entire organization, go to www.secretfamilies.org.
