Individuals and families struggling to cope with health and financial losses are getting a little extra help to brighten their holidays this year.
Clarkesville First United Methodist Church in Clarkesville is hosting a FREE Holiday Market complete with Christmas trees, decorations, lights, holiday items, toys, and winter coats. All of the items will be given away at the market to be held from 3-6 p.m. today, December 10, at Clarkesville First United Methodist Church.
The idea for the market began with a simple Facebook post, explains Ashley Hatchett, one of the driving forces behind it. She and her husband, newly-elected State Senator Bo Hatchett, had leftover Christmas decorations, so, instead of just packing them away, they decided to give them away.
“We made a simple post online that we’d like to donate to a family needing some and got an overwhelming number of messages,” she says.
It struck the young couple that as financially devastating as this year has been for many families, some have had to strike decorations from their budgets. “So we started gathering Christmas decorations and taking donations with the goal of having a place people could come and pick things out that suit their home. It grew to include coats as the temperatures dropped outside.”
Ashley spoke with Pastor Keith Cox of Clarkesville First United Methodist Church about their idea and the church became involved. The congregation volunteered to collect donations and host the market in its parking lot on Washington Street in downtown Clarkesville.
Organizers hope to serve as many people as possible, so, donations are still being accepted.
“So far we have trees, wreaths, garland, lights, ornaments, figurines, Santas, villages, coats of all sizes, and some toys for children,” says Hatchett.
They’re still asking for and accepting donations of Christmas decorations, holiday items of any kind, toys, and all sizes of winter coats – especially children’s coats.
Donations may be dropped off at the church at 1087 Washington Street or at Cathey & Strain Law Offices at 649 Irvin Street in Cornelia.
