LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Christmas is still months away, but one downtown Lima business is bringing the holiday spirit early with its annual "Christmas in July" celebration.
The Meeting Place on Market will once again host the event, offering the sights, sounds, smells—and tastes—of the holidays to give the community a festive break from the summer heat.
This year, organizers are adding a new twist by partnering with Saint Luke’s Church for a donation drive. They are collecting non-perishable food and hygiene items to benefit local shelters, emphasizing the importance of giving back all year long.
“Kind of nice to teach children to give back all the time, not just during the holidays, when you see the kettles out and stuff like that,” said Amy McClure, business administrator at The Meeting Place on Market. “We will have a list of their donation needs on our website, Facebook page, and then on our flyers—they’ll be posted around town.”
Requested items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, canned fruit, soup, bottled water, and sports drinks. Back-to-school supplies are also being collected as part of the drive.
"Christmas in July" will take place Friday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Meeting Place on Market. The event is open to the public.
