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