Local nonprofit brings joy to families with Christmas events
Published 4:47 pm Tuesday, December 20, 2022
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TLC Community Center hosted a variety of Christmas events on Friday, Dec. 16, with the theme this year being “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
The day started with children receiving gifts from the Angel Tree. Santa was present to give out gifts and Bundles of Love bags which included hygiene items, food, hats, gloves and more. Angie Odom of the TLC Community Center and volunteers who work with her made up 1,500 Bundles of Love bags, which were donated by Northeast Community Credit Union. The Carter County Car Club and Americano Steakhouse in Roan Mountain provided money for the toys during an after-Thanksgiving fundraiser and Stoney Creek’s Dollar General served as a toy dropoff area.
A Christmas dinner would follow with over 700 in attendance.
“We counted plates and stopped at 700,” said Odom, TLC’s director. “It was such a blessing. My heart is so full.” After they ran out of food, they ordered pizza for the crowd.
TLC does all this without any government funding: It relies on businesses, individuals and churches to provide for the community members in need. “Lots of different groups showed up to help us put this all together and we are so grateful,” Odom added. “It’s amazing at how many people in our community come out to help.
Out in front of the center is a large stable built by Scotty Johnson’s automotive and collision repair class at Unaka High School, that includes a live nativity, “with donkeys and all,” said Odom. “A stable was needed for the TLC kids’ Christmas event and Johnson and his students quickly rushed into action and provided a stable.”
The TLC Community Center thanks constables Jerry Miller and Dustin Baker for attending the whole day event and helping with security and parking.
The TLC Community Center is located at 145 Judge Don Lewis Blvd., Elizabethton. Call 423-895-8601 for more information.
