The generosity shown by the residents of Howard County is amazing! 

Monetary donations, work from energetic volunteers, and the community gifts of toys, games, and books contributed to a successful Christmas Holiday House event. On December 11, gifts were distributed and gratefully accepted by 91 families, helping to provide a happy Christmas for 208 children.  

Twenty years ago, Fayette citizen Carolyne Peery introduced the first Christmas Holiday House to Howard County. Little did she know what an impact this idea would have—and continue to have—on so many people. 

Today, Christmas Holiday House works under the auspices of the Outreach Committee of the First Christian Church. First Baptist Church members provide space for registration, storage, and distribution of gifts each year. A big “thank you” goes to both of these church families.

Current co-chairs Pat Hilgedick and Beverly Markland work tirelessly and selflessly to assure that the Christmas Holiday House continues its fine work in Howard County. Many other volunteers work diligently throughout the year to:  purchase gifts; collect drop boxes; register families; organize, set out, and distribute gift items; and clean up afterward. Measures are taken to make sure that volunteers and families stay healthy and safe. The time and efforts of all the volunteers are very much appreciated.

Without donations, the Christmas Holiday House would not be successful. In past years, generous donors included individuals, church groups, civic organizations, businesses, and other groups. This community really knows how to give!

Thank you to Scholastic, Inc., headquartered in Jefferson City, for donating boxes of books for all ages. Their annual support to this cause has been outstanding and very much appreciated.

Appreciation also goes to The Fayette Advertiser and the Glasgow Missourian for promoting this important project by publicizing registration and distribution dates. These area newspapers are very willing to help get the word out to everyone in the county.

Remember to consider making purchases or cash donations any time throughout the coming year as we begin to prepare for Christmas Holiday House 2022! For information, please contact one of the co-chairs of Christmas Holiday House:  Pat Hilgedick at 660-248-3172 or Beverly Markland at 660-248-2491.

Sincere thanks and a “Merry Christmas” to all from the Christmas Holiday House Committee.  

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others.”  Charles Dickens