Christmas for Kids program helps hundreds

EDGAR COUNTY, Ill. (WTHI) - It's been a busy night at St. Nick's workshop, as hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly to make sure kids in our community are ready for the holiday season.

"What you see tonight is the culmination of that," Volunteer Dawn Kirby said.

In its seventh year, Christmas for Kids program in Edgar County has helped thousands of households celebrate Christmas.

Helpers shop year-round and wrap presents to give to over 550 kids this year.

Then, elves go house to house, delivering to over 200 homes in two nights for Santa.

"We wouldn't have Christmas," Barbara Jaco said.

For one group of organizers, it holds an extra special meaning.

Amanda Fessant loved to give. She started the Christmas for Kids program in 2006.

Last year, she passed away of breast cancer.

Now, her mother and sisters carry on the tradition, in memory of her.

"Don't let the babies do with out were some of her last words and we said oh, believe me, it will never happen," Kirby said.     

It's a tradition wrapped with love, as one family, volunteers and the community pass on the spirit of Christmas for many more years to come.

"We couldn't do it with out the community it is truly a joint effort. It's so beautiful to see people loving each other and giving from the heart," Kirby said.

The group is in need of more volunteers.

To donate to HIS Ministry and Christmas for Kids, you can donate at:

HIS Ministry, Inc
PO Box 1025
Paris, IL 61944

To participate, donate, or for an application, call (217) 466-9825.

To find them on Facebook, click on this link .