Change Someone’s Christmas

     Have you seen the bright green canisters at local area businesses? Has it made you wonder…just exactly how do you “Change Someone’s Christmas?”  Many years ago Jim Killian and Lori Epps, of WGCY Radio, placed canisters at local businesses between the dates of the Lighted Christmas Parade and Christmas.  The money was used to help out needy families in the community by purchasing and delivering gifts to families.   It has evolved over the years and is now under the umbrella of our Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce. As a not-for-profit organization, Chamber allows for tax-deductible donations.  The collected funds are distributed in the form of Gibson Bucks which can be used at any Chamber member location.
     This holiday project has been made possible through the efforts of our dedicated GCMS committee members Jenny DeSchepper, Linda Schmitt, Julie Withrow, and Sidney Schaefer.  Chamber members and officers Angie Woodward, Amelie Beck, and Pam Bradbury have also been key contributors to this ongoing project. Gibson Area Hospital matches our collection each year and other organizations like the Lions Club, Rotary, Chamber, and Thrivent have all passed the canisters and made generous donations as well.  Of course, none of this would be possible without the ongoing cooperation of over 80 local businesses which have allowed us to display our canisters at their registers.
     The past two years have included the efforts of GCMS High School students who help in order to complete service hours to earn a Silver Cord at graduation.   In 2011, Emily Spangler and Katie Spangler collected canisters.  In 2012, Mark Pool and Carson Arends will be collecting for us.   GCMS High School will also be having a competition among the advisories to collect for Change at the suggestion of GCMS Senior Mark Pool.
     Each year the need increases while the ability for people to donate decreases, yet we have not had to turn anyone away.  When distributing the funds, we often receive hugs and tears because families can now buy medicine, or a coat for their child, or have food for the holidays, or be able to provide something for their kids to open on Christmas morning…things many of us may take for granted.
     If you, or someone you know, is residing in the GCMS School District and could use assistance this Christmas, please contact a counselor or social worker for an application at any of the GCMS school buildings.  Donations may be made to “Change Someone’s Christmas” and sent to Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 294, Gibson City, IL  60936.  If you have other questions or suggestions regarding donations or applications, contact Jim Killian and Veronica Kirkpatrick at  217.784.8225.