Secret Santa 2009: How You Can Help

We receive emails daily from people who want to help but are not sure where they fit into the big picture of Secret Santa. So, this post will provide the basics for ways we truly need your help:

• Donate Money to Fund Secret Santa: Any and all monetary donations are accepted. We aim to spend $50 per child, and donations may be mailed to Secret Santa at P.O. Box 488; South Point, OH 45680
• Donate Toys, Wrapping Paper, Bicycles, High Chairs, Strollers, or Children's Clothing: We are in need of all items related to children. We have received over 20 requests for bikes and over 5 requests for high chairs and strollers. These items are expensive--especially when paired with a winter coat and other essentials. Any in-kind donations would be greatly appreciated.
• Sponsor a Child and Shop for His/Her Christmas Presents: If you want to experience the joy that comes from helping others, "adopt" one of our children and buy his/her Christmas presents. Names are available at the South Point, Ironton, Chesapeake, and Proctorville Briggs Lawrence County Public Libraries. If you choose to do this, we hope to collect gifts by December 11. For more information, stop by your local library or email LCYPGroup@gmail.com.
• Volunteer Your Time to Wrap Presents: We are hosting gift wrapping parties during the evenings of December 14-18th. The wrapping parties will be in South Point. We have created events on Facebook (search for the "Secret Santa 2009" group to find them) where you can RSVP. You may also RSVP yourself, your family, or your organization at LCYPGroup@gmail.com. Come one, come all--it will be lots of fun!!!!!
• Sell T-Shirts: The official SECRET SANTA t-shirt will be available in about a week! We have been pre-ordering the t-shirts, but we want to heavily market and sell the shirts as soon as we have them in person. Please help us in this endeavor---email LCYPGroup@gmail.com to find out how you and your friends can get your hands on some sweet shirts.

Many other opportunities to help Secret Santa exist. Everyone offers unique talents, and we welcome you to contribute yours to the project -- please don't hesitate to contact us!

Secret Santa is Thankful for Support across the Community

While many offices were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday, the hearts of those offices did not shut down. The thriving feel of "community" across the area has been indescribable to this point. We are amazed by the kindness people have shown as they adopt children and donate generously. Particular "Thanks" go out today to:

Somerville & Co. and the firm's employees--including, but not limited to, Jessica Boston, Melvin Chandler, Leon Brotsky, Mary Glenn Rice, John Hill II, Deborah Lewis, Tracy Teams, and Betty Woodrum.

Our gratefulness also is expressed to The Printing Express for their generosity in supporting the 2009 Lawrence County Secret Santa project.

With employees who hold the Secret Santa project near and dear to their hearts, the Lawrence County Department of Jobs and Family Services--previous organizers of the Secret Santa--has pledged for the office and its employees to "adopt" twenty children this Christmas!

Similarly, Palmetto GBA of Wheelersburg has committed to support and shop for twenty children. The organization is located in Scioto county but supports programs like Secret Santa in both Lawrence and Scioto counties each year. Thank you, Palmetto GBA!!

Additionally, five children have been adopted by the Ironton High School Math Club. Working together with the IHS Spanish Club who adopted twenty children, these two active organizations are supporting 25 of our 300 needy children this Christmas!! WAY TO GO, IHS!!! AND A GREAT BIG "THANK YOU!!!"

And the sponsorships of children continue from the the eastern part of the county as well! The Rome Church of Christ has taken an active role in supporting our Secret Santa project. The Rome Church of Christ Youth Group has agreed to shop for a family, as has the church's Ladies Group. Beyond the sponsorship of two families, the church is hosting an "Angel Tree" from which its attendees may select children to "adopt" and shop for. Thank you, Rome Church of Christ.


If your business would like to sponsor children in the Secret Santa program, please email us at LCYPGroup@gmail.com for more information. Thanks!

Emillie Kincaid's Letter to the Editor - Ironton Tribune

Young Professionals need help playing Santa
Editorial by Emillie Kincaid

The Ironton Tribune
Published Saturday, November 28, 2009

The kids of Lawrence County need your help so they can have a Christmas too.

The Lawrence County Young Professionals of Ohio are in charge of a Secret Santa.

I am just speaking for them and I am not a member of this group. My name is Emillie Kincaid and I am 16 years old. I am a student that lives in Lawrence County.

I am not writing this letter for myself but on behalf of the children in my county. Our county is unfortunately very financially depressed and many kids in our area will not be having a Christmas.
Lawrence County Job and Family Services used to provide gifts for these needy children but due to the government budget cuts, they will no longer be able to do this. A new group, The Lawrence County Young Professionals, are taking over and are going to try to raise money.

As you know, many people are scared of the word “young” and I fear people will not donate. If you could help me try to raise enough money, I wouldn't be able to thank you enough. It would be extremely helpful for the kids of my county and I know that they would appreciate this very much. These kids are not asking for toys, they're asking for basic necessities. They are in need of socks, underwear, coats, shoes, and any other types of clothing.

I personally am trying to raise enough money for these kids out of the kindmess of my heart.
I am not receiving anything except self satisfaction. I love to help other people and I'm sure you do too. That's why I'm taking the time to do this. I have e-mailed the Oprah and The Ellen Degeneres Show numerous times concerning this. I am trying my best to get these kids the things they need for daily use. This is my wish for Christmas. Please make my wish come true. My family and I have donated as much money as we are capable of giving.

Checks are payble to “LEDC Secret Santa” Secret Santa, P.O. BOX 488, South Point, Ohio 45680. These donations are completely tax deductible.

If you are not able to help with this, thank you at least for reading, although it would be very beneficial even if you spread the word about this. The Lawrence County Young Professionals e-mail is LCYPGroup@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.

All I want is to get this out to the public and just let it be known that it's critical. I don't want a kid to be left out on Christmas morning. I know you'll do what's best. Thank you.

Emillie Kincaid

Ironton Tribune: Secret Santa Needs Support

Secret Santa needs support
By Tribune Editorial Board The Tribune
Published Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Don’t let the name of their first big project fool you, the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals want everyone to know what they are trying to do for area youth.

In fact, they hope for lots of community support in its first year taking over the Secret Santa program.

The program had been a Lawrence County staple for years through the Department of Job and Family Services. But budget cuts and staffing changes left that agency unable to continue this project that will provide Christmas for hundreds of youth who wouldn’t have it otherwise.
But the Young Professionals — a newly formed civic group that consists of community minded individuals under the age of 39 — have their work cut out for them. Normally, DJFS would work on this project months in advance.

The Young Professionals were formed this fall and just adopted this project last month.
So they are hoping for community help in a variety of ways.

These include making a donation, sponsoring an Angel tree, adopting a family, helping wrap and distribute gifts, buying a T-shirt or even just submitting names of those in need.
For more information, call the Chamber office at (740) 377-4550 or organizer Casey Baker at (304) 691-8410.

These young men and women who have risen to this challenge should be commended for their hard work and efforts to this point.
They saw a need in our community and took the initiative to make a difference. Far too often, people are quick to judge the younger generations for not being involved.
That isn’t the case here. The Young Professionals are doing their part. Are your ready to do yours?


You may also email LCYP at LCYPGroup@gmail.com

Santa's Mighty Helpers

Not even the cold, dreary Monday weather could dull the Christmas cheer in Lawrence County today!

We received a generous donation from Somerville and Co PLLC of Huntington today. Somerville & Company is a local, public accounting firm that provides tax and accounting services across the tri-state. The support of the company, its partners, and its employees has definitely shown us that Somerville & Company cares about their clients and communities and that they are pro-active in helping those in need. Thank you, Somerville & Co for your donation to Secret Santa 2009!

Additional support for the Secret Santa Project has been expressed by Dr. Thompson. Dr. Thompson is a practicing doctor of chiropractic in Ironton. Like Somerville & Co., Dr. Thompson wants to contribute to community betterment, and his compassionate personality blends perfectly with Secret Santa. Dr. Thompson has agreed to host an Angel Tree for 20 children in his Ironton chiropractic office. Thank you, Dr. Thompson for your support!

Rumor has it that we will have even more contributions tomorrow. Check back to see who Santa's newest helpers are!

New Elves Across the Tri-State

Even over the weekend, the feeling of community continues, with many more people becoming aware of Secret Santa and supporting the cause.

Yesterday, Leadership Tri-State asked to support two of our families. Each of the selected families has four kids, so they are going to shop for a total of 8 children!!! Leadership Tri-State is a non-profit, community educational program that brings together people from Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky to learn and talk about the future of our region. Yet, these local leaders do more than simply talk--they act! We are so thrilled to have Leadership Tri-State's support in 2009 Secret Santa!

More individuals have made donations to the Secret Santa project as well. Today, we would like to thank Sharon Blevins and Angela Crabtree for their contributions.

Additionally, many individuals have contributed to Secret Santa through the purchase of our 2009 Secret Santa T-Shirts, which are available for $12. Email LCYPGroup@gmail.com for more information about ordering a shirt. We are taking orders now and expect shirts to be in around December 7th. If you would like to advertise your business or organization on the back of the shirt, please email us for information on that as well.

Check back tomorrow----I know we will have some FANTASTIC news to report. After all, there are only 33 more days until Christmas is here and children across Lawrence County open their gifts with joyous faces!

Santa Has Lots of Helpers!

Merriam-Webster defines "community" as "people with common interests living in a particular area." Absolutely true to this definition, community is exactly what has been exemplified by local business leaders.

Today, several members of the Lawrence County Young Professionals group had the opportunity to attend the Chamber of Commerce's Friday Luncheon this afternoon and meet with business owners. As we spoke about Secret Santa, the project's current needs, and ways that individuals in the area could help, we were met with generous contributions. Many commitments for donations were made, but also several contributions to bring joy at Christmastime were established on the spot. In a mere 15 days, leaders of Secret Santa have already secured funding for nearly one-third of our goal, which would not have been possible without the support of the following Lawrence County residents and businesses:

Joy Coffman's always delicious catering company, Catering With Joy, unsparingly contributed to Secret Santa today. Joy shared stories with us of her daughter's days with the IHS Key Club and of shopping for "adopted Christmas angels" in years past. Her compassionate heart opened her checkbook to us today, and we are grateful for her donation.

Bountiful opportunities will also be created this Christmas for 20 children in Lawrence County, thanks to Hecla Water Association's generous donation. Hecla's greathearted interests spread into the community, throughout the county, and are reflected by their actions. Thank you, Hecla Water, for making a huge difference in the 2009 Secret Santa program!!!

Helping with Secret Santa is not limited only to corporations. Aside from businesses, residents of the tri-state area have also shown interest in the Secret Santa and helping those in need during the holiday season. Rod & Stephanie Burcham, Johnnie & Connie Freeman, and Jan Wolfe have selflessly thought of others early in the holiday season. Their contributions are greatly appreciated.

If you or your business are interested in contributing to Secret Santa, please contact the Lawrence County Young Professionals at LCYPGroup@gmail.com.

In addition to financial assistance, LCYP also asks people to donate their time to the Secret Santa project. The week of December 14-18, we will be hosting "wrapping parties" to prepare the gifts for placement under their new owners' Christmas trees. Please contact us at the address above for additional information or to sign up. This is a great way for individuals, families, classes, youth groups, clubs, and businesses to bond in a new environment as they serve a worthy cause.

Check back tomorrow for Secret Santa updates!!!

Thank You, Secret Santa Supporters!

The Lawrence County Young Professionals group's fundraising efforts are well under way for Secret Santa, and the positive support received by the community has been amazing. The enthusiasm in schools, churches, and local businesses for this initiative is fantastic. Several organizations have certainly stepped up to the calling, and we would like to thank them for their support.

The Ironton High School Spanish Club has made a commitment to buy Christmas presents for 20 children! What an admirable feat these young people will accomplish as they spread Christmas cheer throughout the county.

Just today, the Ironton Rotary Club made a significant financial donation to the Secret Santa project. Through their support, at least 10 children will have a brighter Christmas.

In addition to civic-minded groups, many individuals and local businesses have contributed to the project. Andrew Burleson, The Grove Nursery, and the Kincaid family (Michael, Sherri, & Emillie) have provided a large boost to the program that will bring many, many smiles and tears of joy this Christmas.

Every financial contribution and every hour of time donated to the Lawrence County Secret Santa program are greatly appreciated. We are experiencing the true meaning of "community" demonstrated across the tri-state area as we spread the word about Secret Santa and compassionate people give. Even the smallest offerings can combine to serve the biggest cause.

Thank you, tri-state, for your support of Secret Santa. Stay tuned to this blog as new donations are made, more children are sponsored, and Christmas mornings across Lawrence County, Ohio, are made more joyous for the less fortunate. We will update as often as we can!

Group Saves County Secret Santa Program

Channel 13 News ran a story about the Secret Santa program.

:: Watch the Video Here ::

IRONTON, Ohio -- The holiday season is quickly approaching, and this year more people than ever will need assistance in our hometowns. One Ohio program that helps the needy was canceled because of a lack of funds, but that's when a group of young people stepped in to save the day.

The Lawrence County Young Professionals formed just over a month ago, and already have a full plate.

"They were ending the program because of job cuts. This was a purely volunteer effort by the Department of Jobs and Family Services. Because of their job cuts they were no longer able to do their volunteer program and were going to have to let it just cease to be," said Adam Daniels, an Armstrong Cable marketing director and member of the young professionals.

Enter the Young Professionals.

"I was tired of saying, "I feel bad for these people," and not doing anything about it. And now, I, along with everybody else are gonna do something about it and take it over," financial adviser and member of the young professionals, Todd Fannin, said.

This meeting is an effort to quickly organize their efforts, to ensure that the more than 300 families who utilize the program enjoy this Christmas, and many more after.

"Times are tough and for this program that's getting cut when people are losing their jobs every day, is horrible and I feel that we have the resources to take up where, where jobs and services left off, and hopefully grow it for many years to come," Fannin said.

The Young Professionals hope to have $50 to spend on each of the children. Last year $12,000 was raised for the program. This year, they've already set the lofty goal of $15,000, and say they shouldn't have any problem reaching that number if the community continues to come through.

If you would like to get involved, either with volunteering, donating, or even to put your child on the list of those needing this year, you can e-mail Fannin at t_fannin24@hotmail.com, or call 740-646-6293.

Ironton Tribune Article

SOUTH POINT — It’s still only a fledgling organization, but already the Young Professionals have focused on a way to give back to the community they hope one day to lead.

The Lawrence County Chamber-based young adult organization is gearing up to help out the county’s Secret Santa program, usually coordinated by the Job and Family Services Department, that has fallen victim to this year’s budget crunch.

“This is exactly why we want the Young Professionals to exist,” Casey Baker, YP organizer, said. “We have a community need and we need an organization with the ambition and desire to step up and fill the need. We are the future leaders of the county. We need to step up and be a part of the county. It is a perfect match for what we want to do and aspire to be. And we get to help kids at Christmas time.”

About a month ago, Baker, a Huntington-based lawyer and Lawrence County resident, approached the Chamber about the idea of starting a group of professionals from the county under the age of 39 as a division of the chamber.

The idea took off when the group’s initial meeting attracted a good response from a variety of professions. Now it is on its first civic project. Member Todd Fannin of South Point heard about the ending of the Secret Santa program that brings Christmas gifts to needy children.

“I didn’t want that to happen,” Fannin said. “I always had a great Christmas. I don’t want to see kids who would normally get something, not get something this year.”

Already the group has brainstormed on fund-raising ideas ranging from T-shirt sales to getting area high schools involved.

“I’ve been getting emails from everyone with ideas and logos for T-shirt,” Fannin said.

Baker admits the Young Professionals have a challenge ahead as they are starting work on the Secret Santa later than when JFS would be soliciting names for the program.

“The Job and Family Services would send out their applications beginning in October. We are already a month behind,” Baker said. “What we need from the community is manpower and support. We have a big task ahead of us and with not a lot of manpower and time. But we will do our best.”

There will be a planning meeting for the Secret Santa project at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cross Community Church in Burlington.

The meeting is open to anyone interested in helping with the program.

“This is something for the whole community to get involved in,” Baker said.