Christmas Jubilee preparing to help Wapakoneta families this holiday season

Christmas may still be several months away, but organizers of Wapakoneta’s Christmas Jubilee are already working to make sure local families have food and gifts during the holiday season.

Becky Puff joined WCSM’s Spectrum program Wednesday to discuss the organization, which serves families living within the Wapakoneta City School District. Christmas Jubilee provides groceries and Christmas gifts to families facing financial hardship.

The program began after the Wapakoneta Fire Department ended a similar effort known as Christmas Cheer. Puff assembled a group of volunteers to continue the work, and the organization is now supported by a committee of about 15 people.

Organizers have already held two planning meetings for this year’s event. One of their biggest goals is to provide families with more sources of protein, including canned chicken, beef, pork and tuna.

Puff said the organization spent approximately $15,000 on food last year, and rising grocery prices could push that total even higher this Christmas.

Food boxes are prepared according to family size and typically include apples, oranges, potatoes, onions, bread, cereal, pasta, oatmeal, peanut butter, jelly, sugar, ham and other staples. Organizers are also considering including simple recipes and spices to help families prepare meals using the food they receive.

Applications for assistance are expected to become available within the next month. The one-page applications will be distributed through local schools, the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, the health department, Job and Family Services, the crisis center and other community locations.

Christmas Jubilee does not require families to submit financial records. Puff said the application process operates on the honor system because asking for help can already be difficult.

Families seek assistance for many reasons, including job difficulties, medical emergencies, car or home repairs and grandparents unexpectedly raising grandchildren. Puff said many recipients are working families who simply cannot make their income stretch far enough to cover every expense.

The organization also places a strong emphasis on protecting each family’s privacy. Names and photographs are not used in publicity, and volunteers are instructed not to discuss any identifying information they may see while helping with the program.

Christmas Jubilee provides gifts for children from birth through age 18. Angel Trees are expected to be placed at approximately 30 to 40 Wapakoneta-area businesses beginning in early November.

Residents can select a tag for a particular age group, purchase and wrap a gift, and return it to any participating Angel Tree location. Online wish lists through Amazon and Walmart will also be available for those who prefer to shop electronically.

Puff said teenagers are often the most difficult age group to shop for and can sometimes be overlooked. Gift cards to local restaurants are especially helpful because they allow teenagers to take part in activities with friends following school events.

Volunteers are needed throughout the process to prepare mailings, distribute applications, sort and wrap gifts, pack food boxes and clean up following distribution. People who may not be able to make a financial donation can still contribute their time.

Puff said the impact becomes clear when families arrive to collect their food and gifts.

Some parents have told volunteers that without Christmas Jubilee, their children would not have had a Christmas.

More information about applications, Angel Tree locations, donations and volunteer opportunities will be posted on the Christmas Jubilee website and Facebook page.