December 16, 2019 at 5:57 p.m.
It’s a big Secret
Jay County program has grown to serve more than 100 families since its inception in 2016
It’s a big Secret
The numbers keep growing, but the mission remains the same: To share a message of love and caring at Christmastime.
Four years ago, when Conny Knight and her daughter Kadie began dreaming of bringing the Secret Families concept to Jay County, their aspirations were modest.
The Dunkirk pair had participated in Delaware County’s Secret Families program in the past and thought the Jay County community could benefit as well.
They went public with their dream, raised some money and in 2016 fulfilled the Christmas wishes of 19 families. Each family received toys, clothes, a Christmas tree, household goods and a family Bible.
But that was just the start.
In 2017, the number grew to 45 families.
In 2018, the number grew to 81.
On Saturday, volunteers shopped for 106 families with a total of 467 individuals.
“This year has been a huge difference,” Conny Knight said Saturday morning as between 150 and 200 volunteers wrapped Christmas presents in the commons at Jay County High School. “Word gets out.”
At 6:30 a.m. Saturday, about 150 volunteers showed up at Walmart in Portland ready to shop.
By the time they were done, they’d spent roughly $40,000.
A budget of $550 per family has been established. The families served are determined in conjunction with Jay Schools, which is in a position to help determine need. Families are interviewed to find out things like clothing sizes and particular wants or wishes.
And on the second Saturday of December, it all comes together.
“It’s all done in one day,” said Conny. “That’s the key.”
Shoppers blitzed Walmart with their shopping lists for nearly two hours, then gift wrapping started at JCHS at 8:30 a.m. Deliveries started going out at 10 a.m. and continued through the middle of the day.
The scene in the JCHS commons was a cross between a well-oiled machine and controlled chaos.
As volunteers from churches, sororities and JCHS student organizations worked on wrapping, other volunteers focused on making sure that the right gifts went to the right family.
“Hopefully, it all gets to the right place,” joked one volunteer.
“Who had family 27?” shouted one of the leaders, trying to be heard above the din.
“There are no more presents to be wrapped,” shouted another. “We just need to find family 63?”
“We need people to go on deliveries,” Kadie, battling laryngitis, told the group over a public address system.
It’s all part of the process. It’s all part of the fun.
And volunteers will tell you it’s become an important part of their Christmas celebration, making it more meaningful by helping others in need.
For more information go to secretfamiliesjc.org.
Four years ago, when Conny Knight and her daughter Kadie began dreaming of bringing the Secret Families concept to Jay County, their aspirations were modest.
The Dunkirk pair had participated in Delaware County’s Secret Families program in the past and thought the Jay County community could benefit as well.
They went public with their dream, raised some money and in 2016 fulfilled the Christmas wishes of 19 families. Each family received toys, clothes, a Christmas tree, household goods and a family Bible.
But that was just the start.
In 2017, the number grew to 45 families.
In 2018, the number grew to 81.
On Saturday, volunteers shopped for 106 families with a total of 467 individuals.
“This year has been a huge difference,” Conny Knight said Saturday morning as between 150 and 200 volunteers wrapped Christmas presents in the commons at Jay County High School. “Word gets out.”
At 6:30 a.m. Saturday, about 150 volunteers showed up at Walmart in Portland ready to shop.
By the time they were done, they’d spent roughly $40,000.
A budget of $550 per family has been established. The families served are determined in conjunction with Jay Schools, which is in a position to help determine need. Families are interviewed to find out things like clothing sizes and particular wants or wishes.
And on the second Saturday of December, it all comes together.
“It’s all done in one day,” said Conny. “That’s the key.”
Shoppers blitzed Walmart with their shopping lists for nearly two hours, then gift wrapping started at JCHS at 8:30 a.m. Deliveries started going out at 10 a.m. and continued through the middle of the day.
The scene in the JCHS commons was a cross between a well-oiled machine and controlled chaos.
As volunteers from churches, sororities and JCHS student organizations worked on wrapping, other volunteers focused on making sure that the right gifts went to the right family.
“Hopefully, it all gets to the right place,” joked one volunteer.
“Who had family 27?” shouted one of the leaders, trying to be heard above the din.
“There are no more presents to be wrapped,” shouted another. “We just need to find family 63?”
“We need people to go on deliveries,” Kadie, battling laryngitis, told the group over a public address system.
It’s all part of the process. It’s all part of the fun.
And volunteers will tell you it’s become an important part of their Christmas celebration, making it more meaningful by helping others in need.
For more information go to secretfamiliesjc.org.
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
250 X 250 AD