An annual tradition, the city of Lake Station and community partners are gearing up to spread Christmas and holiday cheer to local families in need.
It’s that joyous, festive time of year. Families are frantically preparing for grand feasts, shopping for presents, and pulling out their long-sealed bins of decorating supplies. Yet, on the other hand, the world is full of people in need year-round, especially during the holiday season. For every smiling family curled up around a warm fireplace with an ample supply of tasty goodies and a massive pile of presents under the Christmas tree, there are others who have no fire, no gifts, and regrettably sometimes, even no family, food, or home at all.
The holidays are about sharing, caring, and spreading joy – not just for one’s family, but for others. The City of Lake Station is committed to taking care of people in their own backyard. Jack Daniels, Lake Station director of communications, said that the goal is to bolster existing efforts.
“We partner with the local Lions Club group, as well as support the police department, FOP (Fraternal Order of Police), and fire department by being a sponsor,” Daniels said. “These local organizations are going out of their way to host ‘Shop with a Cop’ events, ‘Toys for Tots’ events, and more. They are fantastic groups of people and we’re pushing to help out the civic groups where we can.”
Prior to Christmas time, Lake Station held a food drive and gave out over 100 Thanksgiving meals to the community. Now, the city leaders are continuing on with the spirit of giving into the Christmas season.
No stranger to giving back to those in need, Daniels added that Mayor Bill Carroll has been passionate about helping his fellow neighbor since even before becoming mayor two years ago.
“Bill has been involved with the Lions Club and other civic groups since he moved to the city,” Daniels said. “Since taking position as mayor, he has gone out of his way to make sure that these organizations and civic groups are as successful in helping others as possible.”
Especially with Christmas and the holidays rapidly approaching, the focus is on the community.
“We’re getting ready for Christmas,” Daniels said. “It’s a good time all around, and it’s great to be able to help the community. Lake Station is a smaller, closer-knit community, so it really does make an impact. It means a lot more when you’re actively seeing and helping these people that you care so much for.”
The continued success of this initiative depends on a collaborative partnership with local organizations, first responders, and organizations working together to make the holidays special for the less fortunate. The importance of giving back during the holiday season is evident in the way it affects others, as well as those doing the giving.
The holidays are all about family, friends, and togetherness, and what better way to celebrate than to brighten the spirits of one another through give-back efforts.
To discover more about what is happening in Lake Station, visit https://www.lakestation-in.gov/.