Fostering a festive Christmas

SANDUSKY — When traveling from the North Pole to Ohio's north coast, Santa Claus might need to reinforce his sleigh before continuing on his merry way. This holiday season, Erie County children services — a department within Erie County Job and Family Services — reported a record year for its annual gift-giving initiative benefiting area youth primarily in foster care. Ten individuals and more than 70 businesses, agencies and/or organizations contributed to the cause, donating presents, gift cards, cash and other items for children in county custody. Among the most notable statistics, this year, the agency obtained: • About 2,100 gifts, which officials — playing the role of real-life elves — distributed to every local child in foster care, about 55 today; Another 300 lesser-fortunate kids, either saddled with court cases or facing some other parental issue, also received presents. • Roughly $11,000 in cash as well as $2,400 in gift cards; Children services workers bought presents with the money and also distributed gift cards for those in need. Those donating don't know or get to meet recipients of these gifts. Per state law, officials keep the identities of minors in their custody private to protect them. And that's what, in part, makes this effort even more special, officials said: People donating without even knowing who's getting these items. "The generosity of our community truly shines this time of year," said AJ Lill, the agency's deputy director of social programs, who supervises children services. "It is absolutely amazing to see our entire children services wing filled with Christmas gifts for both children in agency custody as well as children in need." Erie County's gift-giving program began about 20 years ago and expanded in 2016 to include children beyond just those in foster care. And, based on the latest results, it's not going away anytime soon — all to ensure lesser-fortunate children can celebrate Christmas properly, fully and, of course, joyfully. "The generosity of this community has astounded me and brought me to tears multiple times," said Michelle Schultz, a children services worker who helps coordinate these efforts. "For many families, this assistance means they can focus on providing for basic needs and still know that the children will get a Christmas," Schultz said. "This time of year is my absolute favorite in the office as we are all tripping over packages and feverishly wrapping gifts to brighten the Christmas mornings of as many children as possible." Want to donate? People interested in participating in the 2024 gift-giving initiative overseen by Erie County children services can: • Email michelle.schultz@jfs.ohio.gov • Call 419-627-4489 • Visit Erie County Job and Family Services, 221 W. Parish St., Sandusky