Macon Reporter

As the holiday season draws near, a local initiative named the Christmas Care & Share event is rallying volunteers for a range of activities intended to spread cheer and support throughout the community. The event, promoted by Regan Deering, a Republican candidate aspiring to represent Illinois' 88th House District, aims to assist families in need during the festive period. It plans to engage a diverse group of volunteers in various tasks to ensure a successful and uplifting experience for all participants.

“The spirit of community and collaboration is on full display this week at the Christmas Care & Share event! Dove, Inc. NE Community-Fund and TSA Decatur have partnered to bless families with gifts for their children. So many have donated their time, talent & treasure for this project,” Deering said on Facebook.

“There is still room to volunteer the next few days if you are able to help. https://volunteersignup.org/4QAEA” 

“I loved helping parents and guardians shop, but was glad to be on 'bag duty' too, as needed!” 

Organizing such an extensive community event requires a committed group of volunteers who contribute their time and effort. The volunteer sign-up sheet displays a variety of tasks including counting, sorting, organizing, unloading, shopping, and providing assistance to families during gift distribution. It also demonstrates the broad range of tasks and diverse group of community members who have already pledged their time. From counting and sorting activities to assisting families, managing toy tables, and even helping with cleanup work - the sign-up sheet is evidence of the community’s collective effort to make the Christmas Care & Share event successful.

The event is slated from December 1st through 15th. Volunteers will contribute their time in shifts to ensure an orderly experience. The duties extend beyond direct service of assisting families; they also include behind-the-scenes efforts such as counting, sorting, organizing and preparing for the event.

The primary goal of this initiative is to provide stockings and distribute toys to children. Last year's Christmas Care & Share event saw volunteers dedicating 1,177 hours to making stockings throughout the year for 867 families. The event took place at St. Paul’s, according to a newsletter.

The SIU Center for Family Medicine Decatur initiated a volunteer sign-up in early November.

Deering, previously a congressional candidate and currently a Mount Zion school board member, announced her bid for the Illinois statehouse in the 88th House District in June, as reported by Macon Reporter.

She hopes to succeed state Rep. Dan Caulkins, who has chosen not to run for re-election. House District 88, which Deering aims to represent, includes McLean, Macon, Piatt, and DeWitt counties according to Ballotpedia.