It’s a longstanding annual tradition in Chapel Hill, one that helps hundreds of local kids have a merrier Christmas.

Every year on the first Saturday in December – for the last 65 years – the Chapel Hill Service League hosts a “Christmas House,” inviting nearly 500 Orange County families to come and pick out toys, books, and coats for their children. (One out of every four families also receive a bicycle. They’re all families in need: organizers get the names of families from the social workers in the area’s schools.

All told, the Christmas House helps about 800 kids every year.

Service League president Patricia Tunick and Christmas House co-chair Beth Friedman stopped by WCHL this week and spoke with Aaron Keck.

 

Originally called the “Empty Stocking Fund,” the Christmas House has been around since 1951; this is its 65th year. The Chapel Hill Service League has been around since 1939 (originally founded as the “Junior Service League”). It has more than 60 active members.

To learn more and to find out how to donate, volunteer, or get involved with the Chapel Hill Service League, visit ChapelHillServiceLeague.com.