GODFREY — Christmas in July has grown along with its sponsors and founders Taylor, 13, and Lily Freer, 10.
The sisters’ first Christmas in July occurred in July of 2009 because Taylor, 13, wanted to raise money for the Freer family’s favorite community project — the Riverbend’s Community Christmas, sponsored by the United Way and The Telegraph. Since netting $2,500 that first year, through the support of Freer Auto Body customers, friends and family, Christmas in July netted $34,000, and this year Christmas in July, which is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at Freer Auto Body, appears to be on track for more growth.
“The raffle items are fantastic and the food is amazing,” said the United Way’s Dawna R. Gilbreath, who is the funding manager for the Illinois Region of the agency’s Southwest Illinois Division, which partners with more than 170 other agencies to help people in the region.
With the help of their family — Taylor and Lily’s father, Tim Freer, owner and president of Freer Auto Body; mother Carrie Freer; and grandparents Mike and Margaret Freer — Taylor’s original idea evolved to what it is today. Christmas in July is a fundraising jump-start for Community Christmas, which provides generously for families in need at Christmastime.
“While Taylor and Lily host the event, it has become a favorite community project for many,” Margaret Freer said. “Without the donations, help, ticket sellers and prize donors, the event would not be what it is today. While surpassing last year’s gross will be monumental, the girls are determined to give it a try. This event is special for a lot of reasons.”
Among those reasons, number one is the number of families who need help to have a nice Christmas. It also is special in the way it brings people together to make it a success.
“From the start McBride Printing donated all of the printing, free of charge, to include raffle tickets and fliers,” Freer noted. “All items for the raffle are generously donated by individuals. Family and friends sell the raffles.”
Another reason the event is special the girls, is because it was started it in memory of their “Uncle Bubba,” who is their father’s late brother, David Freer, who perished due to injuries from a vehicle crash.
“He loved and supported Community Christmas,” his mother Margaret Freer said.
This year, 140 pounds of beef will be made into sloppy Joes; cheesecakes will be made and the Cookie Factory will donate goodies. Taylor and Lily, along with their friends, will serve guests to spread joy.
“This event is truly a labor of love,” the siblings’ grandmother said.
Early lunches and carry outs during Friday’s Christmas in July also are available by calling Freer Auto Body at 618-466-6151.
The United Way recognized Taylor and Lily as “outstanding community volunteers” in the years since the founding of Christmas in July and they were recognized for their charitable efforts last August by the St. Louis chapter of the Salvation Army.
Christmas in July is open to the public; all of the proceeds go toward items, toys and other needs for families who receive Community Christmas giving. Freer Auto Body is located at 4512 Alby St. in Godfrey.
For more information about Christmas in July visit www.freerautobody.com or call Freer Auto Body at 618-466-6151.
[Source:-thetelegraph.]