Fort Atkinson area businesses participating recently with the Merchants Making a Difference program, held as part of the annual Holiday Open House and Market earlier this month, have collectively donated $935 to the Christmas Neighbors of Jefferson County program, according to information released by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.
Businesses participating in the Merchants Making a Difference program included: 2 Rivers Bicycle and Outdoor, Beauty and the Bean, Krueger Jeweler, Lamp Post Inn Bed and Breakfast, Rock Paper Scissors Styling Lounge, and Tuttle’s Hallmark Shop.
Information released by the chamber noted that during the open house event, held Dec. 4, a portion of sales made by businesses participating in the Making a Difference program were used to fund the donation made to Christmas Neighbors, the organization chosen by the group to be the recipient of this year’s funds.
The Christmas Neighbors initiative collects new and gently used toys, clothing and food to be distributed to qualifying Jefferson County families, the release stated.
Additionally, Paddy Coughlin’s Pub in Fort Atkinson contributed to the donation by hosting a St. Gerald’s Feast.
The feast is a yearly tradition created to make the Christmas season brighter for families in the community. During the feast, the restaurant hosted a toy drive for Christmas Neighbors that raised $750, according to the release.
Further, the Jefferson County Board of Realtors hosted its annual toy drive for Christmas Neighbors. The drive was held between Oct. 25 and Dec. 6, and collected toys and winter gear to give to local Jefferson County families.
More about Christmas Neighbors
According to the release, Christmas Neighbors, 164 W. Garland St., Jefferson, collects new toys, winter coats, used children’s clothing, wrapping paper, gloves, scarves, hats and blankets during the fall months. The goal is to not only provide participants with gifts and warm clothes for the holidays, but also a complete holiday meal. Each holiday season, the nonprofit serves hundreds of families and nearly 2,000 children throughout communities in Jefferson County.
Those interested in learning more about the organization, its programming, becoming a participating family or program volunteer, can visit the website: christmasneighbors.org.
Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carrie Chisholm, at left, presents a donation of $935 to Lorna Lovett, president of the Christmas Neighbors of Jefferson County program. Contributed photo.
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