ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Secret Families of Blackford County began in 2018 by Deb and Jim Worster. Deb and her family had wrapped for Secret Families of Delaware County in the past and thought this organization would be a huge benefit to Blackford County.
The organization has been blessed to serve the following each year:
2018 - 13 families and 73 individuals
2019 - 16 families and 71 individuals
2020 - 17 families and 71 individuals
2021 - 20 families and 98 individuals
2022 - 13 families and 70 individuals
2023 - 12 families and 62 individuals
Each year we have also been able to provide presents to all residents in both the Waters Nursing Home and Envive Nursing Home. Santa delivers those presents when possible.
It was pure joy to see the smiles not only on the faces of the children when we delivered their wrapped gifts but the gratitude on the adult faces knowing Christmas would be a joyful holiday!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Deb Worster – Director
Kim Fear – Assistant Director
Ashlee Rutledge – Board Member
MaryJo Kemp – Board Member
THE AL AND CHRIS HOLDREN STORY:
SECRET FAMILIES CHRISTMAS CHARITY'S HISTORY
December 2004, Chris (my wife) and I decided to not buy presents for each other for Christmas and use the money to provide a family in need with a tree and presents for the holidays. Two tables setup in the garage, Chris and my two daughters, Katie and Maddie, a couple of Santa hats, some wrapping paper and bows and the story is started.
As the presents are being wrapped, my brother-in-law arriving for Christmas with the family, inquires about what we are doing. Within the hour, his credit card in hand and girls in the van at 11pm we are headed back to Meijer to buy for a second family that I was given to fund. God is Good!
The name and secret part of Secret Families came from a friend that suggested the name based upon what I told him my family was going to do this Christmas. He asked that I use some money that he gave me to sponsor a family in need, but keep it a "Secret".
Our families come exclusively from local school principals throughout Delaware and surrounding counties (Indiana). We ask the principals for recommendations of families that are in the greatest need and they have always come through over the years. Thank you!
-Al Holdren - Co-Founder and President