GIBSON CITY – Have you seen the bright blue 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 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 the Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce.
As a not-for-profit organization, donations made to the Gibson Area Chamber are tax-deductible.
The collected funds are distributed in the form of Gibson Bucks, which can be used at many businesses in Gibson City.
This holiday project has been made possible through the efforts of dedicated GCMS committee members Jenny DeSchepper, Linda Schmitt, and Jenny White.
Chamber members and officers Angie Woodward and Amelie Beck have also been key contributors to this ongoing project.
Gibson Area Hospital matches the 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 the canisters at their registers.
The past four 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. Mark Pool and Carson Arends collected the 2012 canisters. The 2013 distributor and collector was Sami Endsley.
This year, Rose Williams distributed and will collect canisters.
Each year, the need increases while the ability for people to donate decreases, yet no one has been turned away.
When distributing funds, helpers often receive hugs and tears because families can now buy medicine, or a coat for their child, or have food for the holidays or are able to provide something for their children on Christmas morning–things many of us 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 schools.
Donations may be made to “Change Someone’s Christmas” and sent to Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 294, Gibson City, IL 60936.
Change Someone’s Christmas is currently under the direction of GCMS High School’s InterAct Club, sponsored by Susan Riley.