You’ve probably seen a variety of photos recognizing the love of organizations, businesses and individuals this holiday season. A big percentage were taken because those in the photos wanted to help a needy family in Richland County.

A variety of groups joined together to help the Christmas Coalition – an organization to ensure that no child in Richland County has to go without a nice Christmas gift. “It is such a great feeling to be a part of so many people coming together for the same cause,” Helen Schmitt, director of Richland County Coalition Against Domestic Violence said. “It’s a lot of work, but the project is worth it all to help those who need a little lift during the holidays.”

As it takes many hands to complete the project, organizations such as The Salvation Army, several Richland County schools, Richland County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Action for Eastern Montana, Sidney Jaycees, ABATE, BPA and Key Club, the Builders’ Club, the youth group from Pella Lutheran Church, Richland County Boys and Girls Club, the Mondak American Petroleum Institute, financial institutions, churches, local grocers, along with many other businesses, organizations and local individuals assisted in making spirits bright this Christmas. There are individuals that have worked with this coalition for so many years that the project runs like a fine-tuned ship. “However, the group is anxious to add new members each year in order to provide new ideas and bring an extra bit of excitement to the project,” Schmitt said. Every person knows his or her place, and those new to the project are guided gently to ensure a pleasurable experience. Many people perform specific jobs, and when put all together it becomes this awesome event, she said.

Weeks before Christmas arrives, tags have been placed on area business and organization Christmas trees throughout town. Residents of the community take a tag from a tree, purchase a gift of what is listed on the tag, and then the gift is brought back to the same location and placed under the tree.

In mid-December, the gifts are collected from around town and brought to a central location where a shopping day is held for those in need who wish to shop for their family members – at no cost.

Multiple tables are heaped with gifts for shoppers to choose from for family members living with them. A special elf helps the shopper scan the room and pick out items to be placed under the family Christmas tree.

This year, the Christmas Coalition was able to assist and serve 95 families and 228 children. The coalition distributed 86 food baskets, along with the Richland County Food Bank giving 85 Christmas food baskets to those in need. “On behalf of the Richland County Christmas Coalition, thank you to all those who provided gifts, food, financial donations or gave of their time to help the project,” Schmitt said.

The Sidney Herald will make the step forward and accept the Christmas Coalition as its community service project for the second half of 2009.

If interested in helping out next year with the coalition or donating to the project, contact Schmitt 433-7421.

homespun@sidneyherald.com