Members of churches, civic organizations, local businesses and people from all walks of life generously gave of gifts and funding so they could share the joy of the holidays with others less fortunate.

Dedicated volunteers spent day after day sorting the toys and setting up "shopping" tables once the toys were delivered. The Holiday Room was stuffed to the gills and every nearby available office cubicle jam packed with all the toys that would be needed to fill stockings and brighten the holidays for hundreds of children.

And then the snow came. Over 20 inches. On the day parents were to pick up gifts. And everything stopped. But only temporarily.

Though UCM did close its Holiday Room during the height of the storm, once travel became safe again and the parking lots were somewhat cleared of snow, UCM employees and countless volunteers worked extra hours and extended days to ensure that parents received gifts for their children. In addition to picking out age appropriate gifts and stocking stuffers for the children, every family received a game and a ball (soccer balls went fast), and every child received a book. This, thanks to the amazing generosity of hundreds of people who donated thousands gifts and gift cards for children of every age, from newborn to 16.     

"UCM staff was a tremendous help to me during this time, but it was the volunteers who saved the day," said Christine Fiske, UCM's Volunteer Coordinator. "Some volunteers worked from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm just to be sure everyone got what they needed. I was never without an outpouring of help. It was truly a blessing to be able to experience both the generosity and thoughtfulness of those with much to give, and the extensive appreciation and gratitude of those who received!"

Thank you, everyone, for your generosity. Because of you, the holidays were made brighter for so many children and youth in our community.