By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce is already incorporating a significant altruistic effort in conjunction with this year’s townwide tree lighting celebration Saturday, Nov. 19.

Beginning Oct. 19, the Light Their Hearts Clothing, Toy and Food Drive has been in high gear, with community members donating children’s and adult clothes, personal care items, toys and nonperishable food items at 14 designated drop-off locations throughout town.

Chamber President Emily Shipley explained the genesis of this year’s inaugural drive.

“The Chamber started talking this summer about doing some sort of a coat drive in conjunction with the tree lighting, but after talking with the schools and the food pantry we learned the needs are much greater than coats.

“We joined with the North Webster Elementary Parent Teacher Organization to implement the Clothing, Toy and Food Drive. With 14 drop-off locations and hopefully a lot of items to sort and distribute, a partnership with the PTO makes it feasible.

“It’s the true essence of the community coming together to really help kids and their families have a bright Christmas.”

For a suggested shopping list of needed items, visit northwebster.com or facebook.com/nwttchamber.

The drop-off locations, which will accept donations through Nov. 19, are:

• Caliber Designs, 103 N. Main St.

• Clayton’s Garden Center, 7185 SR 13.

• Jill and Jennifer’s Salon of Styles, 225 N. Main St., Suite D.

• Legendary Ink – NW, 716 S. Main St.

• Maverick Promotions, 611 S. Main St.

• North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St.

• Northwest Bank, 514 N. Main St.

• Palace of Wellness, 127 S. Main St.

• Roll-N Smoke BBQ, 108 E. Washington St.

• Socks Marina Barbee, 314 EMS B61 Lane.

• Tangibles Resale & Consignment, 111 S. Harrison St.

• The Beauty Bar, 402 S. Main St.

• The River Coffeehouse, 127 S. Main St., Suite D.

• Tippecanoe Township Fire Department, 202 N. Main St.

A plethora of family-friendly activities will accompany the tree lighting, which will take place at 6:15 p.m. on Pilcher’s lawn, 127 S. Main St.

Festivities will begin at local businesses at 4 p.m.

The ATV light parade will return at 5:30 p.m. along Main Street and this year will be joined by the Kosciusko County Jeeps.

And, “of course,” said Shipley, “our hometown heroes, the Tippecanoe Township North Webster Fire Department and Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department will also be participating by flashing their lights.

“Everything is the highlight of the evening, but this is the epitome of the celebration,” she said.

Shipley added, “The night of the tree lighting festivities is one of my favorite nights of the year. Last year I overheard someone say it was like a Hallmark Christmas movie. The event is just magical.”

Outdoor entertainment will be provided by Captain Bob, the North Webster Elementary choir, Lake City Bank music truck and a sleigh and pony by Kim Murdock.

Available around the tree will be candy canes, popcorn, touch-a-firetruck, s’mores, luminaries, make your own reindeer food, hair tinsel application and candles for caroling.

Silver Bells, the live reindeer, will be available for visits from 5-7 p.m. at Tangibles.

Several downtown businesses will offer free food and drink and in-store sales:

• Tangibles, free chili.

• Roll-N Smoke BBQ, $2 off pulled pork sandwich with charitable donation.

• Heart of the Lakes Antique Mall, cookies and cider.

• Jill and Jennifer’s Salon, free hot dogs and chips.

• The River (with Mohawk Pier), free hot chocolate.

• KiZa Designs, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, ornament making, special sale.

• Lions Karate, Christmas crafts.

• Palace of Wellness, open house and sale.

• Sue’s Creations, photo booth, wine, cheese, refreshments, sale.

Shipley and the chamber expressed special thanks to the event’s many sponsors, which include the Town of North Webster, The Papers Inc., Davis Group Realty, Ace Pest Control, Bart’s Watersports, Mike and LuAnn Kissinger, Legacy Group Real Estate, Lakeland Spinal Health, Easy Organizing Solutions, Mediacom, Pilcher’s Shoes, Maverick Promotions, Fisherman Cove Resort, Roberts’ Farms, NWCC Massage Therapy, S&S Truck and Auto Repair, Socks Marina, Titus Funeral Home and Tangibles Resale and Consignment.