Thomas County Community Foundation Announces First-Ever Match Day & Celebrates 40+ Years of Santa’s Workshop

The holidays are officially underway in Thomas County, and that means big things are happening with the Thomas County Community Foundation. NWKS Radio’s Joel Navarro recently sat down with Foundation Director Jada Tubbs to talk about two major community events: the first-ever Match Day and the long-running, beloved Santa’s Workshop.

A New Tradition: Match Day Arrives December 2nd

While many residents are familiar with April’s “Match Month,” the Community Foundation is launching something entirely new this year — Match Day, made possible through support from the Patterson Family Foundation.

Thanks to an incredibly generous community response, the Foundation has created a $35,000 pool of match funds. Ten local fund holders have stepped up to participate, all ready to grow their funds and expand the good they bring to Thomas County.

How it works:

• Donations made on Tuesday, December 2nd (Giving Tuesday) to any of the 10 participating funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the $35,000 is fully used

.• Even a $10 gift becomes $20.

• Donors can give online at GrowThomasCounty.org or in person at the Thomas County Office Complex (350 S. Range) from 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

• Giving Tuesday follows Black Friday, Shop Local Saturday, and Cyber Monday — making it the perfect chance to turn focus back to neighbors, families, and local needs.

Jada emphasized how important this timing is, especially as many families continue experiencing financial strain. “Our community absolutely shows up when there’s a need,” she said, noting long-standing funds such as Food for Kids, which help support families experiencing food insecurity.

Santa’s Workshop: A 40+ Year Holiday Tradition Lives On

Just a few days after Match Day, another cherished event returns: Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, December 6th from 9 to 11 a.m., once again held at the Thomas County Office Complex.

The Foundation adopted this event nearly 20 years ago, but the tradition itself stretches back more than four decades.

This magical morning allows children ages 4 through 10 to shop for the special people in their lives — teachers, parents, grandparents, and more.

• Kids may purchase up to four gifts for a suggested donation of $7 each.

• All items are donated by generous community members.

• Each child is paired with a cheerful shopper elf.

• Gifts are wrapped before the child leaves, ensuring a big moment of pride when they walk out with their treasures.

“It’s such a sweet moment,” Jada shared. “They get to choose these gifts completely on their own, and they love it.”

If you drive by that morning and see a parking lot full of cars — don’t worry. The Foundation’s army of volunteers keeps everything moving quickly. A full shopping trip for four gifts takes only 10–15 minutes on average.

Plenty of Ways to Volunteer This Season

The holidays are also a prime time for people wanting to give back with their time. Jada said opportunities are everywhere — from helping with Santa’s Workshop to assisting the Christmas Light Committee with setup and teardown, to lending a hand at schools, the Chamber of Commerce, the Visitor’s Center, or community events.

She highlighted next week’s Thanksgiving Community Dinner, which last year delivered over 340 meals and expects as many as 450 guests this year. Volunteers are needed both to serve and to deliver meals across the county.

“If you have a little pocket of time and a passion — whether it’s youth, beautification, arts, feeding families — we can help match you with the perfect role,” Jada said.

One-Stop Giving for Thomas County

As the year winds down, many residents look for meaningful ways to donate. Jada encourages anyone with a passion for giving — big or small — to reach out.

“We really do have something for everyone,” she said. “It’s like one-stop giving through the Thomas County Community Foundation.”

Get More Information

• Match Day: GrowThomasCounty.org

• Thomas County Community Foundation: ThomasCCF.com• Follow the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for ongoing updates.

A huge thank-you to Jada Tubbs and the many volunteers who keep these traditions alive and thriving. Stay tuned to NWKSradio.net for more community stories and coverage throughout the holiday season.