Christmas Hope Chest available to community for second year

The White County School District’s Family Resource Center is gearing up for the second annual Christmas Hope Chest. The Christmas Hope Chest seeks to unify the efforts of various groups serving White County families at Christmas. The Christmas Hope Chest consolidates the efforts of many so that community resources have more reach and impact.

Last year, The Christmas Hope Chest partnered with 20 churches, and over 135 volunteers served over 200 families. According to the FRC Director, Beverly Dronebarger, they expect the number to increase this year.

“The Christmas Hope Chest was very successful last year,” Dronebarger said. “Since we conquered that inaugural year, we feel well-equipped to serve even more families  this year.”

The Christmas Hope Chest also aims to empower families at Christmas Time. Instead of giving families generic donations, the Christmas Hope Chest invites families to shop for each child’s needs at a shopping event located in the former Findlay Elementary School gymnasium.

“The families we served were so appreciative of the opportunity to come and choose  gifts for their children,” Dronebarger said. “In the past, we have just handed them items  selected by someone else who had sponsored their child. It was fun to see families shopping and choosing just the right item for each child. I think the volunteers were impacted by the experience as much as the families we were serving.”

Parents who are interested in shopping at The Christmas Hope Chest need to sign up on Tuesday, November 14th, from 3:30-5:30 or Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10:30-11:30. After the registration period, CHC volunteers contact parents to select a designated shopping time between Dec. 12-14.

Those who wish to volunteer at the event can contact the FRC Director Beverly Dronebarger at beverly.dronebarger@whitecoschools.net. Community members can also donate new items at several locations throughout the community such as the YMCA, the Coffee Collective, Brooklynn Salon, Magnolia Boutique, Ben Lomand and many others.

“Helping with The Christmas Hope Chest has been rewarding simply because I was able to help the community and be a small part of something so big,” Rachel Billingsley, volunteer said. “My joy comes from serving others, and this is such an important ministry to the families of White County. What better way to serve than serving others at Christmas where there is such a need.”

Specific items needed include bicycles, toys, balls, dolls, board games, puzzles, new books, novelty pillows, toiletries, wrapping paper, and tape. There is also an Amazon Wishlist on the Christmas Hope Chest Facebook page. Contact Beverly Dronebarger to make a monetary donation.