As Western Wayne residents recover from August flooding, some of the affected families might be among those applying for Golay Community Center’s annual Angel Tree through Nov. 23.
Registration takes place daily at the center, 1007 E. Main St., Cambridge City. Hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
Children ages 0 to 14 are eligible for the tree. They must live in Cambridge City, Milton, Pershing or Dublin, or attend Western Wayne Schools to receive gifts.
Applicants must bring a copy of their 2025 tax return, a driver’s license for the applicant, Social Security cards for all household members, a utility bill within the last 30 days to verify address and birth certificates for all children being considered for the tree.
Golay staff note the Angel Tree is a supplement to the child’s family Christmas, and there’s no set amount a sponsor is to spend. Promotional materials note that “it is a generous donation from one individual to your child or children.”
Sponsors can begin picking up children’s wish lists from the tree this week.
For more information, call 765-478-5565.
2 markets
At least two holiday shopping opportunities are taking place this weekend to benefit charities.
- Duncan Media’s Holiday Marketplace will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond. Admission is $5. Vendors will sell their home-created wares and proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information, call 765-962-6533 or email [email protected].
- Wayne County Genealogical Society’s Christmas Bazaar takes place inside First Friends Meeting, 2010 Chester Blvd., Richmond, and offers a variety of donated items, including noncraft items. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12-Friday, Nov. 13, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Call 765-277-1207 for more information.
Parade and toy drive
Main Street Richmond has begun registration for its annual parade, taking place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in downtown Richmond.
This year’s theme is “A Very Annie Christmas – Where Broadway Magic Meets Hometown Holiday Cheer!” It celebrates Richmond Civic Theatre’s December production of “Annie.”
Businesses, schools, organizations, families and community groups are invited to participate. The registration deadline is Dec. 1.
A link to the application form and entry guidelines are available at mainstreetrichmond.org. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Surety Christian Academy is collecting new or gently used stuffed animals through Nov. 25 to give away at the parade. All sizes are welcome.
They can be dropped off at the school, 1 SW 17th St., Richmond. For more information, call 765-962-3441 or email [email protected].
Donor/volunteer opportunity
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County offers the Carla Stidham Christmas Shop to help its members select donated items for their families.
Organizers say new or gently used items for men and young boys are especially still needed, but they will accept gifts for others in good condition as well. They can be delivered to the Jeffers Unit, 1717 S. L St., Richmond.
Volunteers are also needed to help with setup from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. Dec. 1-3, and when members are shopping, from 3-5:30 p.m. Dec. 7-10.
For more information about volunteering, text or call 765-914-0304.
Santa’s Secret Angels
Donations of new toys or money are being gathered through Dec. 1. This Richmond-based 501(c)(3) organization provides gifts for children and nursing home residents.
Locations across Wayne County with collection boxes for toys or senior gifts include Dwyer Community Center, By Hand & Fork, G&S Jewelers, Apex Cleaning & Building Maintenance LLC, Hornak’s Liquor Mart, Mr. Deals, Johnsons Car Sales, Dustin’s Auto & Collision, Biggie Spudz food truck, 765 Auto Spa, Rod House Customs, Ullery’s Ice Cream, VFW Post 1108, Subway (National Road East), and East Central Indiana Re Hub.
For more information, call 765-977-8113 or email [email protected].
Toys for Tots
This year’s toy distribution for residents of Wayne, Fayette, Randolph, Union and Preble (Ohio) counties will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at 200 S. Ninth St., Richmond.
Free gifts are available for children up to age 18 as long as they are still in school.
No early registration will be offered.
Custodial parents will need to supply a picture ID and current proof of address, plus a birth certificate or other paperwork with the child’s birth date, such as school or vaccination records.
Whitewater Valley Marine Corps League continues coordinating the program.
Donation locations for Toys for Tots include Best-One Tire & Service, which is offering $25 gift cards for its store in exchange for a donation of a new, unwrapped toy through Dec. 11. Customers are limited to one gift card. It’s open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays at 100 N. Seventh St. in Richmond.
For questions, call 765-200-8020 after 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
Send information about upcoming opportunities to give or receive at the holidays to [email protected] for publication consideration.
A version of this article will appear in the November 11 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.