On Dec. 7, Freer Auto Body hosted their annual Cookies and Cocoa fundraising event in to raise money for the United Way Community Christmas campaign. The event lasted from 4-6 p.m. Everyone was encouraged to bring donations and enjoy some cocoa and homemade cookies. 

United Way has hosted the Community Christmas program for 30 years and for the past 15 years Freer Auto Body has taken it upon themselves to join in and help support the cause. “We are so proud of the program and so honored to partner and have the leadership of Freer Auto Body to really lead this initiative,” the director of the Illinois region for the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Karen Lintz said. 

Freer Auto Body has played a huge supporting role in this all. Lintz emphasized that their biggest push for money is during the Christmas in July raffle. Through that fundraiser, they raised over $58,000 this year. 

That money from the event helps carry over into everything they do for the holiday season. The Cookies and Cocoa event is a chance to celebrate their fundraiser over the summer and another opportunity to reach out to the community to raise more money.

Elizabeth Campell, the owner of Brush Hair and Makeup, was the chair for the event this year. Campell expressed that there are approximately 116 boxes out in the community this year where anybody can donate toys, clothing and other items. 

United Way works with 18 agencies in the local area that benefit from the donations. It is United Way’s role to make sure everything is properly allocated with the organizations. Some of these agencies include the Boys and Girls club of Alton, Riverbend Head Start and Family Services and many others. 

Hundreds of families in need will be able to benefit from the help of the community. “We are just trying to get the community as involved as possible and make them aware of what we are trying to do,” Campell said. 

To donate today or learn more about Community Christmas, visit HelpingPeople.org or contact Freer Auto Body.