Three organizations dedicated to making the holidays brighter for local families are coming together in a new partnership designed to strengthen holiday assistance throughout Wexford and Missaukee counties.
Beginning with the 2026 Christmas season, Project Christmas and The Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program will combine their annual holiday assistance efforts under the longstanding Project Christmas name. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding community impact, improving efficiency, and ensuring families continue to receive meaningful support during the holiday season.
For decades, Project Christmas has relied on the generosity of community members, volunteers, businesses, churches, and civic organizations to provide gifts, food, and other holiday essentials to local families. Likewise, The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots have worked to ensure children experience the joy of Christmas through toy distributions and community support.
As the need for holiday assistance continues to grow, the organizations recognized that working together offers an opportunity to better serve families while building on the strengths of each program. “This partnership is about ensuring that our community continues to have a strong, sustainable holiday assistance program for years to come” said Carol Corwin, Project Christmas Board Secretary.
The unified program will combine the experience, volunteer base, community partnerships, and resources of both organizations while continuing to focus on serving children and families throughout Wexford and Missaukee counties. Planning for the 2026 season is already underway, and both organizations are committed to making the transition seamless for volunteers, donors, and the families they serve. “The Salvation Army believe we are always better when we work together and we are excited to see the good that can be done for our community when we combine the resources of Project Christmas, Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army” said Fr. Micah Chisholm, The Salvation Army of Cadillac Social Services Manager.
Community members can continue to support Project Christmas through financial donations, toy and food drives, volunteer service, and other opportunities that will be announced throughout the year on the Project Christmas and Salvation Army websites and social media pages. Existing volunteers and community partners will receive additional information as planning progresses, and board members will be reaching out to those most directly involved in implementing the new collaborative model.
This new chapter builds on the generosity and dedication of the thousands of volunteers, donors, community organizations, churches, schools, and local businesses whose support has made both programs a holiday tradition in Wexford and Missaukee counties. The organizations believe this collaboration positions Project Christmas to continue its tradition of helping local families while ensuring the program remains strong and sustainable for future generations.
About Project Christmas
Project Christmas is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization serving families throughout Wexford and Missaukee counties by providing holiday assistance, including toys, food, and other seasonal necessities. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, businesses, churches, and community organizations, Project Christmas has helped brighten the holidays for local families for many years.
About The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots
The Salvation Army of Cadillac partners with Toys for Tots to provide holiday assistance to children and families throughout the Cadillac area. Together, the organizations work with volunteers, donors, and community partners to ensure children experience the joy of Christmas while supporting families in need.
Media Contact – Salvation Army
Fr. Micah Chisholm, Social Services Manager
231-775-7131 [email protected]
Media Contact – Project Christmas
Erin Barbus, Publicity Volunteer
[email protected]