In 1975 T-4-C partnered with Tuscarawas County Jobs and Family Services to provide families, going through hard times, the means for a brighter Christmas. By co-ordinating efforts and encouraging county-wide support, the Share-A-Christmas program continues to offer food baskets, clothing vouchers, and toys for children twelve and under. A multitude of volunteers, of all ages, make it happen annually enabling hundreds of needful families to share in the joyous holiday.
For more information on how you can help and get involved, call: 330-343-6012.
The Origin of Share-A-Christmas…
1974
October/November: The Times Reporter featured a series of articles on critical needs facing low income families in Tuscarawas County (inflation, rising energy costs, low fixed income). In regard to the Christmas Season, there was an overwhelming public response. By Christmas Eve, under the direction of the staff of the Tuscarawas County Department of Human Services, food and gifts were generously given to over 200 families.
Little did anyone know that Share-A-Christmas was born!
The Origin of Share-A-Christmas…
1975
The following year, in the spirit of the holidays, T-4-C (Tuscarawas County Council for Church and Community) and the Tuscarawas County Department of Human Services partnered together for a coordinated effort. That year, with the help of many volunteers and the generosity of our communities, 365 families who were receiving public assistance were helped.
1976
With continuing concern, the scope of caring was broadened to include all families of the county in need. Also, this was the first year that WJER Radio and Indian Valley F.F.A. (Future Farmers of America) students joined forces to implement a county-wide toy drive. . . WJER and Indian Valley F.F.A. have remained faithful to their annual toy mission to this very day.
1979
For the first time, volunteer Community Co-Chairs assisted the Tuscarawas County Department of Human Services and T-4-C in recruiting volunteers for interviewing and processing applications.
Today
In the present, Share-A-Christmas continues as a vibrant county-wide mission reflecting the caring heart and generous spirit of the people, churches, businesses, schools and organizations of our communities; and thousands are blessed because of it.
“God bless us, every one.” – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens