Region Unites for 33rd Annual Community Christmas Campaign

Cookies and Cocoa event also returns for 18th year.

Nov 14, 2025 10:25 AM Nov 14, 2025 3:41 PM

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ALTON/GODFREY — For more than three decades, Community Christmas has been a cornerstone holiday initiative, a local effort aimed at supporting families in need during the holiday season. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the program, as well as the 18th year of the Freer Auto Body Cookies and Cocoa event and the Christmas in July raffle.

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Margaret Freer, one of the owners of Freer Auto Body, and an organizer of both events, has dedicated countless hours to organizing and contributing to the effort.

“I am always amazed by the generosity of the community. They always come through and make Community Christmas a success. It is heartwarming to know there are so many that will be helped by the efforts of our community,” she said.

Freer continues to bake all the cookies for the event and solicits prizes for the raffle.

“I feel we have truly made a difference in a lot of lives,” she said of her work with the Freer Auto Body associates and volunteers and sponsors in the community.

The Cookies and Cocoa event is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

Community Christmas shopping days are set for Dec. 17 and 18, 2025. These occasions allow local organizations to distribute donated items to families in need. Photos from the events will be shared to illustrate the impact of community contributions.

Community members can drop off donations at numerous locations across the region, including all 1st Mid America Credit Union branches, Alton Memorial Hospital Gift Shop, Alton District 11, Alton Steel, Atlantis Pools, Beverly Fam Resale, City of Wood River, Coleman Campers, Eric Schrumpf State Farm, Federal Steel, Freer Auto Body, Funky Cards and Collectibles, Iron House Crossfit, Macias Insurance, Marquette Catholic High School, Midwest Credit Union, Nicky G’s Catering, Patty’s Petals, Persnickety by Jen Farley, Phillips 66, Riverbend Chiropractic, Riverbend Head Start, Riverbender Daily Show, Rose Optical, Sammi's Sandwiches, Sherer Chiropractic, Sip and Grip, Simmons Hanley Conroy, Standard Torch Club, The Ranch House, Village of Godfrey, and My Time Day Spa.

Freer emphasized the importance of the drive for local families. “This drive is very important to those in our community who need a little extra help this time of year. No child should not be able to experience the magic of Christmas,” she said.

Complete List Of Community Christmas Dropoff Spots in Alphabetical Order:

All 1st Mid America Credit Union locations

Alton Memorial Hospital Gift Shop

Alton District 11

Alton Steel

Atlantis Pools

Beverly Fam Resale

City of Wood River

Coleman Campers

Eric Schrumpf State Farm

Federal Steel

Freer Auto Body