DTOC Christmas Donations To Local Charities – 2014

For local community service groups like The Downtown Optimist Club of Meridian, fundraising is only part of the equation. The best part of fundraising is getting the opportunity to give the funds to organizations that could use the help and Christmas time is the DTOC’s favorite time of year!

On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014, the Downtown Optimist Club of Meridian made a presentation of $5,000 to local charities that work hard to make sure Christmas is special for every child regardless of their families’ financial situation. Four charities were on hand to receive their donations and the group included Cans For Kids, Meridian Shop With A Cop, The Chunky River H.O.G. Toy Ride and The Salvation Army. The presentation of the donated funds was made by 2014-2015 President Brian Koroknay.

These annual donations are dedicated to assisting organizations in providing Christmas gifts to needy children in our community. Based on the information provided by the various organizations at the meeting, between 1,000 and 1,500 children in our community will have a large part of their Christmas provided by these groups.

While donations were given directly to Cans For Kids and Meridian Shop With A Cop, The Debs will assist the DTOC by purchasing toys for The Salvation Army and The Chunky River H.O.G. Toy Ride. Each of these organizations are currently gathering toys in preparation for Christmas and our partnership with the Debs helps them gain valuable community services hours which help them achieve their own goals in helping the community. It’s a win-win relationship that gets youth involved and engaged in community service efforts.

The DTOC has been raising funds to assist youth programs since 1941 and continues to provide assistance area youth whenever and where ever possible.

NOTE: If you’ve ever bought a Pancake Ticket or a hamburger at Crestwood during our T-ball season, then we want to thank you for your support because days like today when we were able to help bring Christmas to children all around our community could not have happened without you!