Hundreds of children in Fort Wayne gathered on December 4, 2025, for the annual We Care event hosted by the Boys and Girls Clubs. This beloved tradition lets kids craft gifts for loved ones, teaching them the joy of giving during the holiday season.
Event Brings Joy and Creativity to Local Youth
The We Care event turned the Boys and Girls Clubs into a bustling workshop where about 450 kids aged 5 to 18 got hands-on with arts and crafts. Sponsored by One Eleven Design, the gathering featured stations run by local design and architecture experts. Children moved through color-coordinated rows, spending 15 minutes at each spot to make items like personalized cards, ornaments, and small decorations.
Volunteers wrapped up the crafts in large tote bags, complete with hats and gloves for the winter chill. This setup not only sparked creativity but also built excitement as kids thought about who would receive their handmade treasures. Parents watched from the sidelines, smiling as their children beamed with pride over their creations.
One young participant, a 10-year-old boy, shared how he made a painted mug for his grandmother. Events like this highlight how simple activities can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
Community Support Powers the Holiday Magic
Around 120 volunteers stepped up to make the event possible, showing the strong community spirit in Fort Wayne. Local businesses and firms donated supplies, time, and expertise to guide the kids through each craft. This teamwork underscores the club’s role in supporting low-income families and school-aged children year-round.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne has grown significantly over the years, now serving thousands through after-school programs, summer camps, and special events. Recent expansions, including a new campus, have allowed them to reach more families in need. Similar holiday initiatives across the country, like toy drives and gift sprees, reflect a national push to involve youth in giving back.
| Year | Number of Kids | Key Activities | Sponsors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Over 1,400 | Gift creation and wrapping | Local design firms |
| 2024 | Around 400 | Crafts with community experts | One Eleven Design |
| 2025 | About 450 | Tote bags, hats, and gloves included | One Eleven Design and volunteers |
This table shows the event’s growth and consistent focus on hands-on fun.
Teaching Values Through Giving
Joe Jordan, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, emphasized the event’s deeper purpose. He noted that kids often talk about making gifts for others, not themselves, which plants seeds of generosity early on. This approach aligns with the club’s mission to build character and provide a safe space where children feel loved and supported.
Ellen Roe from One Eleven Design described the fast-paced setup, where kids rotate through stations to keep things exciting. Such experiences help children develop skills like teamwork and creativity while fostering a sense of community care. In a world full of digital distractions, these real-world interactions offer valuable lessons.
Research from child development experts shows that acts of giving boost happiness and self-esteem in young people. Programs like We Care contribute to lower stress levels and stronger social ties among participants.
For many families facing economic challenges, the event provides free resources and a break from holiday pressures. It reminds everyone that small gestures can make a big difference.
Looking Forward to More Holiday Traditions
The We Care event fits into Fort Wayne’s broader holiday celebrations, such as the Night of Lights and Christmas on Broadway, which draw thousands each year. These activities keep the festive spirit alive and support local nonprofits. With the club’s recent milestones, like serving over 10,000 meals this year through nutrition programs, the future looks bright for expanding outreach.
Organizers plan to build on this success, possibly adding more interactive elements next year to involve even more families. As the holiday season continues, events like this inspire ongoing community involvement.
Share your thoughts on holiday giving events in the comments below, and spread the word by sharing this article with friends and family to encourage more support for local youth programs.
