An Isabella County Christmas tradition is returning yet another year--albeit with slightly different rules.
The non-profit organization Christmas Outreach of Isabella County nears its annual winter-wear and Christmas gift giving event. This time, however, guests must register before Thanksgiving. Where previous iterations had guests registering on either side of the holiday, Christmas Outreach believes that the new registration window will make things easier for everyone involved.
Guests now must register either Wednesday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Nov. 15, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 18, through Friday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 25, 8 a.m. to noon. Call (989) 317-8733 to register.
"Our mission is to coordinate Christmas giving throughout the community," says Stephanie Ohms, board member and director of publicity for the organization.
"There is only one registration per household and guests must be residents of Isabella County because this whole event is very focused on Isabella County."
Once registered, guests will gather at Finch Field House on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7, to benefit from the community’s Christmas cheer. Available items donated include new and/or used winter-wear, linens, blankets and pillows, Christmas decorations, house goods, children’s books, and more.
There will also be a raffle for Christmas trees and bicycles.
Donations are currently being solicited for the aforementioned items, as well as checks made payable to Christmas Outreach of Isabella County.
A call for volunteers is currently out, with opportunities to sign up via the organization’s Facebook page.
"Christmas Outreach has been going on for more than forty years," says Ohms.
"This is a community-wide event and we like to get as many churches, schools, and other community organizations involved as possible."
For more information on how to register, donate, or volunteer for the event, visit Christmas Outreach of Isabella County online today.
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