History and Information

The Sodus Community Christmas Program originated in the Sodus Primary School. In 1983, several staff were inspired to provide food to needy families. These families were identified, and a confidential list was established, which still exists today. At that time, the program was known as the Sodus Community Christmas Sharing Program.

In the Fall of 1986, a Giving Tree was placed in the Primary School foyer, and students were encouraged to bring non-perishable food and small gifts. The school had no space to store the collected food and gifts so the priest at the Sodus Church of the Epiphany was asked for permission to use space at the Parish Center. The Church of the Epiphany remained the location where food was sorted, gifts were wrapped, and families picked up their Christmas baskets on distribution day.

The program grew each year, and by 1991, each child received two gifts, and a family gift was also included. Many businesses, organizations, farms, the school district, and members of the community became more involved. It has always been a community program because churches of different denominations are supportive, along with clubs and groups from Sodus. Leadership and committees are essential to move the program forward (then and now), and many are currently active and involved.

This program evolved from a small group of volunteers helping needy families to a very large project involving over 100 individuals, businesses, organizations, farms, and churches. The program assists more than 120 families from Sodus, which includes over 200 children ages birth to 18. These children receive two gifts each, and the family receives Christmas dinner, including perishable and non-perishable food for after the holidays. Over 30 of these families are elderly and receive food only.

Everything about the program stayed the same in 2022 except its legal name. On October 28, 2021, the program established its own 501(c)(3) under the name Sodus Community Christmas Program Inc. The Board of Directors is the governing body that consists of a Chairperson, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. The tax-exempt charitable organization holds its annual meetings in May, and the fiscal year is July 1 - June 30. 

Dedicated volunteers have hope that the future of this program will continue to thrive with the generosity and support from the Sodus community and beyond.

2024 Board of Directors

2024 Committee Members

Bette Bugni

Sandie Graham

Maria Ingersoll

Susan Kyle

Leesa Latulipe

Kim Ludden

Ivy Sina

Joan Stell