Arc seeks support for annual Secret Christmas program
Photo Provided Billy Mackey receives a gift through The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley's Secret Christmas program. The Arc is encouraging community participation and donations.
Photo Provided Volunteer Vickie Taylor wraps gifts at South Parkersburg Baptist Church for The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley Secret Christmas program in 2025.
Photo Provided Billy Mackey receives a gift through The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley's Secret Christmas program. The Arc is encouraging community participation and donations.
Photo Provided Volunteer Vickie Taylor wraps gifts at South Parkersburg Baptist Church for The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley Secret Christmas program in 2025.
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PARKERSBURG - The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley is asking the community to help with its annual Secret Christmas program that provides Christmas gifts to local teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are in need.
Many of the people supported by The Arc live on small, fixed incomes and do not have family to help with holiday gifts. Without Secret Christmas, many would have nothing to open on Christmas morning.
“Secret Christmas gives teens and adults over the age of 13 gifts and household items they might otherwise go without,” said Doug Hess, chief operating manager of The Arc. “Seeing the community step up for as many as 250 people in a single year is something we never take for granted.”
Residents can help in several ways:
Donate money: A $50 donation sponsors one person. The Arc will use the donation to buy and wrap gifts for a specific individual.
Shop for gifts: Donors may request a wish list, purchase the items themselves and drop them off at The Arc’s office.
Volunteer: Volunteers are needed to help shop, wrap gifts and spread holiday cheer. A Wrap Party will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in the gymnasium at South Parkersburg Baptist Church.
Businesses, clubs, churches and other organizations are encouraged to sponsor the program.
“Every year, this community shows up for the people we support and every year it means the world to them,” Michelle Curtis, executive director of The Arc, said. “A gift under the tree tells someone they are remembered and they belong.”
For more information or to get involved, call Alexis Ullmann at 304-422-3151 Ext. 114, email alexis.ullmann@thearcmov.org or download a sponsorship form at thearcmov.org.