Operation Christmas Cheer - Darke County

[John's note: Operation Christmas Cheer is an amazing project started by citizens to help others. We are adopting kids this year and are so proud of the massive effort this group puts forth, all for the sake of helping others. Consider helping them out this season...]

Left to Right: Trisha Hill, JT'S Brew and Grill, Shellie Walker, Double M Diner, Carol and Mike Williams

Operation Christmas Cheer -Darke County is a local project that was started in 2010. We are headed into our 4th Christmas season and looking to help over 175 Darke County children have presents under their trees this Christmas. "Elves" from all over the country with ties to Darke County donate items off of a list that appears on the Facebook group "Operation Christmas Cheer - Darke County". Items are then shipped or dropped off at the local drop off locations and stored until they are delivered to the adopted children. In 2011, 22 Darke County children were helped. In 2012, 62 children were helped. In 2013, 186 children were helped. In 2014, we are looking to be right on target for 2013's number. We still have children available to be adopted but recognize that not all people willing to participate use Facebook. If you are wanting a local project to donate to over Christmas, Operation Christmas Cheer can be reached by calling (937)504-1555 or emailing us at operationchristmascheerdarkeco@gmail.com.

Operation Christmas Cheer is supported by local citizens, former citizens, and local businesses. This project is 100% dependent on donations. THANK YOU to all the 2014 local businesses who have stepped up in big ways either as employee groups or the actual businesses themselves: Greenville Federal Bank, The Winery of Versailles, Family Health, Roots Hair Salon, Rumpke, Meckes & Associates, The Bread of Life, Treaty City Industries, JT'S Brew & Grill, Shaffer Maintenance, Baughn Distributing, Double M Diner, SRT Trucking, Nick Good, and The Coffee Pot. Their generous donations along with FM SADD Club, Mr. Mikesell's business classes at GHS, Buckeye Buckaroos 4H Club, Horse and Rider 4H Club, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, EUM Church, and over 300 individual Elves make this the largest Christmas operation in Darke County!