Christmas is just around the corner, and there are many different traditions to participate in, but here in Kokomo, Indiana, there is a tradition that has been around for decades. This tradition is We Care. It all began back in 1973. According to WeCareonline.org, “It was just prior to Christmas in 1973 when WWKI disc jockey, Dick Bronson, received a call while hosting his hour-long, call-in radio program Viewpoint. The call was from a long-time, laid-off autoworker asking what he was supposed to do in order to give his family a happy holiday season. Bronson offered to donate $20.00 (half of his wallet contents) if others listening would do the same.”
One event of We Care is the Hope doll. WeCareonline.org said, “Late one evening in the early ’80s, while Jan Buechler was sorting through the boxes and bags of the daily donated items, a small doll fell out of one bag. Instantly, the look on the doll’s face touched the hearts of those working. In the silence of the moment, everyone knew the doll would touch the hearts of the community.” In 1986, the Hope Doll was purchased but was then returned to the auction, so the following year she could be sold again. The Hope Doll became a tradition. We Care continues. We Care hosts an annual 48-hour radio/telethon broadcast for anyone in the five-county area surrounding Kokomo. As said by WeCareonline.org, “Nearly 40,000 bid tickets are used for the more than 3,360 items which are sold during the marathon two-day auction. The balance of the donated items is sold during a wrap-up auction the following week.
Not only does We Care host a telethon annually, but they also light up the walkway of the Markland Mall in Kokomo with nearly 80 beautiful trees and wreaths. This event is called the Trim-A-Tree Festival and has been thriving since 1993. Many people visit to see the sparkling, creative trees that companies have designed and decorated so that visitors can vote for the tree or wreath they enjoy most. The winner receives a trophy to show off their victory. My siblings and I visit the Trim-A-Tree Festival each year, and we look forward to the trip each year. This year, some of the trees visitors could see include a tree themed for Texas Roadhouse, a “Wicked” tree, and a “Bluey” tree. My personal favorite was the Texas Roadhouse tree because I love eating there.
According to VisitKokomo.org, “Organizations and businesses from around the area decorate dozens of trees and wreaths, with many choosing a theme. From unique and beautiful to fanciful and downright fun, you’ll find all manner of Christmas trees at the We Care Trim-A-TreFestival. Vote for your favorite!” After the votes are tallied, the trees are then auctioned off, and the money raised benefits the We Care nonprofit. There has been nearly $2,000,000 raised by all of the festivals combined.
Although these two traditions – the Trim-A-Tree and Hope Doll traditions are still alive today, one has ended, the We Care Christmas Lights. The drive-through light show enjoyed by many ended last year. As someone who attended for several years, I loved going to see the lights and drink hot chocolate because it got me in the Christmas spirit every time I went. I loved getting to see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, too. Katy Mann from Indy with Kids said, “Owners, Mike and Nancy Wyant, decided that it was time to retire after 27 years.” Although many visitors, my grandparents included, will miss the lights, who knows, maybe We Care will have another event even better than before.
We Care in Kokomo, Indiana, is an integral piece of the local community. The organization helps individuals and families who are experiencing hard times, offering food, clothing, and other support they might need. It also provides advice, guidance, and encouragement to help those in need solve problems and improve their lives. By helping in so many ways, We Care not only meets immediate needs but also gives them hope for a better future. The organization inspires many in the community to volunteer, donate, and show kindness to those around them. Through its work, We Care brings people together and teaches everyone the importance of caring for one another. It helps create a stronger, more connected community where people feel supported and included. Overall, We Care shows how helping others and working together can make a difference in people’s lives and make our local community a better place for everyone
