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.