Christmas for Kids charity should surpass $1 million

HAMILTON — Christmas for Kids has returned for another year in Hamilton and will aim to help kids in the community this holiday season. The organization is ready to take applications beginning in November.
The charity, started in 1985, will begin its 39th year this November. Individuals donate money to the charity, and they in turn help children in Hamilton and Marion County by purchasing clothes and other items for families.
To date, the organization has raised $970,066.96 for kids. Gifts have been donated to 12,965 children since the program began.
Sandy Sandlin, who spearheads the charity, mentioned he received $11,000 from the Ramp two years ago and $12,031.50 last year from the Ramp and a play the Ramp performed. Last year’s total amount raised for the charity was $42,517.50, which went to help 426 children in the county.
“This year, we’ve already received $3,000 from a prior recipient,” Sandlin said. “We also got $200 from January from the Cosmopolitan Club.”
In prior years, the charity has spent $90 on each child. Currently, it will spend $100 on each child. Students at Hamilton middle and high schools purchase the items, and they buy mostly clothing items for those in need. They are then distributed to those who have filled out applications.
Those wishing to donate may contact Sandlin at Fred’s Pharmacy in Hamilton. Individuals who want to apply can also pick up forms at Fred’s Pharmacy in Hamilton, and once filled out, the forms may be returned to Fred’s Pharmacy starting in November.
“We need applications turned in as early as possible, so the kids can get out and buy the gifts,” Sandlin explained. “We should surpass $1 million this year. We only need $30,000, and we’ve been getting over $30,000 per year. I think that’s a big deal. That’s a lot of money that people mainly right here in Hamilton have done. That says a lot about the school children and the people here in Hamilton. It’s a total team effort, because we couldn’t do it without the donations and the school kids.”