Lake Community Christmas launches 2025 donation drive to help families in need

Preparations are underway for the eighth annual Lake Community Christmas, a local holiday outreach program that provides gifts and support to families in need across Lake Township.

Organizers have launched the 2025 donation drive early, noting that the need in the community continues to grow. Last year, through the generosity of local residents and businesses, the program served 257 children in 95 families, providing presents and holiday cheer during the Christmas season.

This year’s Lake Community Christmas event will take place Dec. 10-12 at St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, 1460 State St. NE in North Canton. It will be the second year the event is hosted at that location. Parents and guardians identified through partner organizations will be invited to “shop” in a store-like setting, selecting gifts for their children made possible by community donations.

Lake Community Christmas partners with local churches and organizations including Lake Township FISH, Love Our Community, Lake Local Schools’ Lake Cares program, and Lake Center Christian Schools. The initiative is entirely donation-based and relies on the participation of residents, businesses and volunteers.

Community members can contribute by donating new, unwrapped gifts at collection sites throughout Lake Township, including Lake Township FISH, Love Our Community, The Front Porch Café, Consumers National Bank, Hartville Sports Cards, CFP Designs, the Lake YMCA and the Lake Community Library. Collection runs from mid-October through Thanksgiving, while Sommers Market will begin accepting gifts Nov. 1.

Monetary donations can also be made online, and wish lists of requested items are available for those who prefer to shop virtually and ship directly to Lake Community Christmas. Volunteers are needed to help sort, organize and distribute gifts during the event.

More information, including ways to donate or volunteer, is available at laketownship.wixsite.com/communitychristmas.

“With your help — through gifts, donations or volunteering — Lake Community Christmas can continue to make the season shine for local families,” organizers said.