To The Editor:

Howard County folks have done it again!  The generosity of so many people allowed this year’s Christmas Holiday House to provide gifts on Dec. 10 to 120 families for 280 children in the county.  (Last year’s count was 101 families/239 children.)  All of this happens due to the monetary donations, work from energetic volunteers, and the community gifts of toys, games, and books that were donated throughout the year. 

Twenty-two years ago, Fayette citizen Carolyne Peery introduced the first Christmas Holiday House to Howard County, and the project has continued to grow ever since!  Today, Christmas Holiday House works under the auspices of the Outreach Committee of the First Christian Church.  First Baptist Church members provide space for registration, storage, and distribution of gifts each year.  A big “thank you” goes to both of these church families. 

Current co-chairs Pat Hilgedick and Beverly Markland work tirelessly and selflessly to assure that the Christmas Holiday House continues its fine work in Howard County.  Laura Lewis is instrumental in shopping for age-appropriate items throughout the year and organizing the distribution process.  Many other volunteers work diligently throughout the year to:  purchase gifts; collect drop boxes; register families; organize, set out, and distribute gift items; and clean up afterward.  The time and efforts of all the volunteers are very much appreciated.

Without donations, the Christmas Holiday House would not be successful. In past years, generous donors included individuals, church groups, civic organizations, businesses, and other groups. The Fayette Police Department, for the second year, hosted a BBQ fundraiser with proceeds going to Christmas Holiday House.

Each year Scholastic, Inc., headquartered in Jefferson City, has donated boxes of books for all ages.  We appreciate their continuous outstanding contribution!

Appreciation also goes to The Fayette Advertiser and the Glasgow Missourian for promoting this important project by publicizing registration and distribution dates.  These area newspapers are very willing to help get the word out to everyone in the county.  

It is not too early to consider making purchases or cash donations any time throughout the coming year as we begin to prepare for Christmas Holiday House 2024.  For information, please contact one of the co-chairs of Christmas Holiday House:  Pat Hilgedick at 660-888-9932 or Beverly Markland at 573-239-0709.

Sincere gratitude and a “Merry Christmas” to all from the Christmas Holiday House Committee.  

“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.”  --Thomas S. Monson