Cookies and Cocoa Event Draws Donations for Community Christmas

GODFREY - Riverbend residents came together to support the Community Christmas initiative at Freer Auto Body’s 18th annual Cookies and Cocoa event.

From 4–6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, Freer Auto Body opened their doors to community members to donate toys, cash, clothing, hygiene products and more while enjoying cookies and hot cocoa. The event collects donations for Community Christmas, which are distributed among local nonprofits to give to families in need.

“The community supports it. The cookies are great. And it warms your heart,” said Margaret Freer, who oversees the event.

Freer shared that she shops for Cookies and Cocoa year-round. She emphasized that even if you missed this year’s event, Freer Auto Body will still take your donation and make sure it gets to the appropriate organization. She added that there are always “last-minute needs” as the holidays approach.

The donations are distributed to nonprofits like The Salvation Army and Riverbend Family Ministries. Freer noted that some of the kids ask for clothing or hygiene products rather than toys. She believes this illustrates the need in the community.

“You have no idea, when you have nothing, how appreciative you are of what you get,” she said. “It’s very, very humbling. There is a great need.”

As these organizations move toward their final Community Christmas push, Freer encourages people to give back where they can. She recognizes that this year is tight for many families, which also means the need is greater than ever. She hopes that events like Cookies and Cocoa can help fulfill some of these needs.

“It truly warms our hearts,” Freer added. “We’re grateful to be able to give back and help.”

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