By Kathy Flatter—
MUNCIE, Ind.—Even though the past year has been extremely difficult for many families in Delaware County, there is hope for a Merry Christmas. Secret Families Christmas Charity, the brainchild of Al and Chris Holdren, will make sure of it.
Since its inception in 2004 Secret Families has provided Christmas gifts to nearly 3000 families in Delaware County. The inspiration behind Secret Families was that Al and Chris wanted to teach their daughters the joy of giving. Instead of buying the usual gifts for each other, the family used their Christmas money to buy presents for a family in need. This experience changed their lives!
Over the past 14 years, Secret Families changed MANY lives. It’s given hope and joy to families who received as well as to those who gave. Sharing the true spirit of Christmas has made Delaware County a kinder, more caring community.
How does the Secret Families Organization provide for each sponsored family? There are many community events throughout the year to raise money, but individuals can also sponsor families. A $550 donation per family provides presents for everyone living in the household, a Christmas tree, a $50 Meijer gift card to purchase Christmas dinner, and a Bible.
For those who would like to help, there are many ways to do so. Go to the Secret Families website at www.secretfamilies.org to find out more.
This year there is also a new way to support Secret Families. Kathy Flatter, a Secret Families friend, was so inspired by Al and Chris’s experiences that she wrote a book titled “One Secret Christmas.”
One Secret Christmas by Kathy Flatter
One Secret Christmas.
The book shares the story of Katelyn and her family. Her mom is a single parent with four children. She recently lost her job and has to tell the family that Christmas might not come this year. See how everyday people become angels who change Katelyn’s family’s lives forever after that one secret Christmas.
Search on www.amazon.com for One Secret Christmas or buy a copy at the Secret Families main event on December 4 at Muncie Toyota. ALL proceeds go directly to Secret Families Christmas Charity.
