by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall

Almost 10 years since its inception, the annual “Christmas in July” matching donation drive is still going strong at Stockbridge Community Outreach.

Beginning as a fundraising program exclusively financed out of the pockets of Outreach board members, the effort has grown from a match of $3,000 In 2017 to a match of up to $10,000 this year!    

This year’s match supporters include Choice One Bank, Eaton Community Bank, board member donors and others. 

Fundraising monies raised from the program peaked in 2024 with $19,314 received through the Christmas in July drive.   

“We so appreciate the continued, steady support of Choice One Bank and the new partnering of Eaton Community Bank,” said Gwen Reid. “We have such a supportive community, so we are hopeful that this will be the year we break the $20,000 threshold!”

How it works: All donations received in July will be matched, up to  a total of $10,000 in donations for this year. This program effectively doubles the original gifted amounts that arrive in July. For example, if you give $100, Outreach banks $200.

Reid said most of the money from last year’s drive, which totaled $15, 574, went to help clients with their utility bills and to stock the pantry shelves.

Just to remind readers how much donor generosity is appreciated, in 2025, Outreach accomplished the following, all from donated funds or grants:

• Sent home over 5,184 Tide-Me-Over bags to kids from preschool through high school
• Handed out 5,435 bags of food at our weekly Wednesday “Pop Up” curbside distribution
• Registered 38 new clients
• Spent over $32,550 on utility assistance
• Served 1,435 families using our free clothing room

“We are honored and grateful to be able to offer such needed services year-round,” Reid said.

Anyone wishing to contribute to Christmas in July may send a check to Stockbridge Community Outreach (PO Box 682, Stockbridge, MI 49285), bring their donation to the Outreach office during open hours (MWF, 1– 3 p.m.), or donate online at stockbridgecommunityoutreach.org.  Please note in the memo that your donation is for Christmas in July.