To the editor:
Every year, the Christmas Miracle gift delivery effort changes, and 2023 was no exception.
You might recall that in 2022, we had a “generational cold front.” This year’s delivery fell on Sunday morning. As has been the case in the past, our delivery volunteers showed up (and presumably went to a later church service) and again did a wonderful job.
All gifts were out for delivery and our headquarters was empty by 8:35 a.m. Jackson County Sertoma Club members cannot be more pleased with the again wonderful responses we got from so many individuals, clubs, businesses, groups and organizations that make Christmas Miracle work.
Because of everyone who supported our cause this year, Sertoma was able to help 293 families with 680 children throughout every part of Jackson County. Those numbers indicate a greater number of families and children assisted than in 2022 … 11% more kids in 22% more families.
We don’t keep many statistics on the children who receive gifts, but it seemed like there were more requests for toys and supplies for babies and infants than any time in the past, and many requests were from single-child households. Further, we had many new applicants in 2023, meaning the applicants had never applied for Christmas Miracle in past years.
We don’t try to list every business, bank, group, club, workplace, agency, print and radio media outlet and organization that helped to make this year’s Christmas Miracle a success. It’s just too many to list, and nobody knows the number of generous, good-hearted citizens in our county that showed up throughout our monthlong effort. Please know that our gratitude for your help knows no bounds.
In the end, the people of this fine county showed their true desire to help their fellow citizens. One Sertoma member recently observed that Christmas Miracle is a project of the entire Jackson County community, not merely a Sertoma project. This continues to be reiterated every year.
Sertoma stands for SERvice TO MAnkind. Our club is able to do what we do for the people of this county because of your support. Again, thanks go out from all the members of Jackson County Sertoma for everyone’s help in making the Christmas season a little brighter for the children of Jackson County.
John Fox, Christmas Miracle co-chairman
Jackson County Sertoma Club