WILMINGTON — “Charity begins at home,” said Charles Dickens, English author and author of “A Christmas Carol.”
A recent study conducted by Wallethub.com found that Ohio was the fifth most charitable state — with Minnesota listed at number one; see http://bit.ly/2SlSAKu .
That spirit of giving can certainly be felt throughout the county this holiday season.
Non-profits such as the Clinton County Ho Ho Shop work to bring Christmas to local youngsters who may not have gifts.
The Wilmington Hope House held its Tree of Hope fundraiser with the Clinton County Historical Society. Participants could enjoy comforting refreshments while also taking part in a silent auction of decorated trees.
One organization that seemed to get a lot of help while helping others this season is the Clinton County Youth Council (CCYC). They’re receiving donations, from big community projects to locals just wanting to help a little.
CCYC was also one of several non-profits that United Way of Clinton County donated toward with money they received from their 4th Annual Wreath Auction.
Rhonda Earley, the community outreach coordinator for United Way, told the News Journal different businesses in the community donate a decorated wreath for their auctions, which start during the Hometown HoliDazzle and continue as a silent auction on Facebook.
Every year the organization receives roughly 70 wreaths, and they always get sold. This year, 68 wreaths were donated and all have been sold, according to Earley.
“I think it’s a good example of the community pulling together,” said Earley. “Some people will come in and buy them and donate them to other locations. “
Among the other non-profits who receive donations from United Way are Sugartree Ministries, senior programs, adult reading programs, the homeless shelter, and Camp Joy.
One of those locals, in particular, is Kirstin Harris, who decided to help CCYC and help her neighbors at the same time. Harris offered to wrap presents for people for $2 a present (including supplies) with 100 percent of the money going toward the CCYC.
“It’s really cool to see community members get creative with their support. Kirstin’s gift-wrapping project was all her idea, and it inspired many individuals to contribute who may not have yet had a connection to CCYC,” said CCYC Executive Director Eric Guindon.
One of the biggest drives for the CCYC was when they partnered with the Clinton County Leadership Institute for their Holiday Donation Drive. Throughout the month items such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, new or gently used adult-sized winter clothing, Kroger or Aldi gift cards, and boxed candy were collected at the Wilmington Savings Banks and the Wilmington News Journal.
Donations can still be made to the CCYC despite the drive ending on Dec. 18.
“It means a lot that we have received donations from so many different parts of the community,” said Guindon.
Autumn Allen, a member of the Leadership Clinton Class of 2020, felt honored to work with the Clinton County Youth Council (CCYC) for their Holiday Donation Drive.
“I think as a whole we have been truly blessed to see the community come together to support such a great outreach program,” said Allen, thanking everyone who made the drive possible and a success.
