By Sandy Barnes
Berthoud Recorder

The generous donations and efforts of individuals, businesses and churches involved in the Christmas in Berthoud event made the holiday brighter for 49 families in need of assistance this past holiday season.

“It did my heart good,” said Don Dana, executive director of the Berthoud Chamber of Commerce, while talking about the volunteers and contributions to the effort.  Dana and others on the Christmas in Berthoud team had set a goal of raising $15,000 to help needy families in the area. While the actual deposits totaled $10,258, other donations enabled the volunteer team to help as many families as they did, Dana said.

On Dec. 20, Christmas in Berthoud volunteers brought the families a $100 gift certificate to Hays Market and a $50 gift card for each child in them. Berthoud school counselors and the House of Neighborly Services nominated families as recipients.

After weeks of planning, the Christmas in Berthoud effort began on Dec. 6 with a day of celebration. Those who came to the day-long event had the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts at the Community Center and local businesses while enjoying holiday performances at Grace Place before the traditional parade and tree lighting ceremony in the evening.

During the following weeks, Christmas in Berthoud volunteers continued working to raise funds and accept donations, which were received in many forms, from money in little change jars to large checks. To ensure all the selected families received gifts, much-appreciated last minutes donations were received, Dana said.

Because of the difficult economic times, Dana said that the Chamber decided to form a team of community members in order to serve as many families as possible. Accountant Roger Bates, Janet Jamerson, Kim Land, Melisa O’Leary, Rose Pauly, Alice VonSeggern and Pam Wilcox worked with Dana to make the effort a success.

“This is the first time we had a community-wide effort,” he said. “This year, the need was the greatest.”