Kelsey’s Christmas for Kids
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF)- Chickamauga hosted their Pumpkin festival which included lots of shopping and learning about “Kelsey’s Christmas for Kids” organization.
Residents from the Chickamauga community and Chattanooga came to see all that the festival had to offer.
The block was lined with vendors selling sweet and salty treats, fun knick-knacks from local vendors, big and small pumpkins, and even giving away prizes at a costume contest.
While the festivities were very exciting, what was set up at the end of the block was something special.
At the end of the block there were gigantic, bigger than life inflatables.
The inflatables where in the “Kid’s Fun Zone” area and were there to help raise donations for “Kelsey’s Christmas for Kids “organization.
She took her savings and the money her parents were going to spend on her for Christmas and bought gifts for all the children.
In 2016, Kelsey Ownby Smith started “Kelsey’s Christmas for Kids” as a senior project. From there, it became something she fell in love with doing.
Stewart Kelley, the fundraiser coordinator said, “…She wanted to take book bags out to the homeless for Christmas, and while she was out there, she saw kids playing and it just kind of broke her heart. You know? She really wanted to do something for them, so she actually took her Christmas money from that year and went and bought gifts for the kids at the shelter.”
Unfortunately, Kelsey passed away in 2021, at the young age of 21, leaving her family absolutely heartbroken.
But through their grief and healing, Kelsey’s family decided to keep her memory alive by keeping her organization going, and not just in Chickamauga, but helping families all over Chattanooga.
While we were speaking with the organization, we were able to speak with a mother who had previously been helped firsthand by Kelsey, before her passing.
Lindsey Cordell, a previous beneficiary said, “But at the same time I was very grateful. I was very grateful that they took the time to think of my children that year. But it’s embarrassing as a mom, when you can’t supply your kids with the things that they want. And you see all these other kids who can get what they want. So, I do think their cause is good and I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done for me and my family.”
The event was completely free for everyone, and all donations made at the Kid Fun Zone from the inflatables are being donated to children in need, for Christmas.
Kelsey’s Christmas for Kids invites you to join their auction fundraiser, as it is their biggest fundraiser of the year, with over 400 items to choose from.
Click here to visit the online auction.
