For nearly three decades, Project Noel has been spreading kindness and compassion to families in the Tinora School District and surrounding areas. What began in 1997 as a small outreach from Bethlehem Lutheran Church has grown into a cherished community tradition that touches dozens of families each holiday season.
A Mission of Compassion
Project Noel began when a church member approached Bethlehem Lutheran about helping people in need within the Tinora community. Because the church sits on County Line Road between Henry and Defiance Counties, the church council decided to extend help to families in both areas.
Originally, Project Noel provided clothes and food at Christmas and later held a summer clothing drive. While the clothing drive was discontinued after the first few years, the Christmas giving continues to thrive. Today, each participating family receives two boxes of food, gifts for the children, wrapping paper and tape, and, when funds allow, items such as pajamas, coats, shoes, towels, bedding, dishes, and more.
Community Partnership
Bethlehem Lutheran Church works closely with Tinora Schools to reach families who may need support. Applications for assistance are distributed through Tinora’s administration via text and newsletters. The program also partners with Project: We Care in Henry County to identify additional families.
Other local churches also contribute by collecting specific items requested by Project Noel. Volunteers from Bethlehem Lutheran play a vital role, from shopping for food and gifts to sorting and packaging items for each family. High school youth and their director purchase toys, Sunday School children wrap candy treats, and church members come together on distribution night to load gifts into cars.
The Impact of Giving
Over the years, Project Noel has served anywhere from 50 to 135 families, supporting between 120 and 270 children annually. The impact of this project goes far beyond the material gifts. Many families have shared heartfelt thanks, with some even returning to donate and volunteer after their own circumstances improved.
One family, once recipients of Project Noel’s help for several years, later came back to give back to others in need. As organizer Carolyn Schlade shared, “We have had several parents who have thanked us and told us their kids wouldn’t have had a Christmas if it wasn’t for Project Noel.”
How to Get Involved
Although this year’s application deadline has passed, families may still apply for help before December 1 if needed. Donations can be made by sending a check to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 30997 Gerken Rd., Defiance, OH 43512, with Project Noel written in the memo line. Anyone interested in donating specific items can contact Carolyn Schlade at 614-406-9107.
A Message of Hope and Service
Carolyn, who has been part of Project Noel since its beginning, said, “Helping others in need is what we are called to do. The joy of helping someone in need has not diminished. Everyone needs support at some time, but not all people have a support system, and I think we can be that for them in a small way.”
She hopes Project Noel continues to inspire others to give their time and resources to help those in need.
As the holiday season approaches, Project Noel stands as a shining reminder of what can happen when a community comes together, neighbors helping neighbors and showing the true spirit of giving.