Hometown Christmas event to benefit ailing resident

Jef Rietsma
·3 min read

CENTREVILLE — Friday’s community Christmas celebration in Centreville will have added meaning for a lifelong resident and her family.

In addition to the tree-lighting, caroling, downtown parade and several attractions at various businesses, the 2022 Hometown Christmas in Centreville will benefit Linsey Wolff, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

A raffle to aid Wolff and her family was put together by village staff, spearheaded by DPW director Michelle Thibideau. All proceeds from the raffle will be turned over to Wolff’s family to help with medical-related expenses.

Centreville DPW director and village clerk Michelle Thibideau said dozens of items have been donated to a raffle benefiting a local teacher. Meanwhile, Centreville’s 2022 Christmas celebration will be Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.
Centreville DPW director and village clerk Michelle Thibideau said dozens of items have been donated to a raffle benefiting a local teacher. Meanwhile, Centreville’s 2022 Christmas celebration will be Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

Thibideau said Wolff and her family have deep roots in the community, and have supported countless benevolent causes through the years.

“It’s the community’s turn to help her now,” Thibideau said, noting Wolff is the daughter of village council member Craig Brueck.

Tickets, which are three for $5 or $2 each, went on sale Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Thibideau said she is overwhelmed by the number of items donated for the raffle. They include multiple gift certificates of $30 and two in the amount of $100 to Yoder’s, $50 to Sand Lake Party Store, 18 holes of golf with cart for four people from St. Joe Valley Golf, a bicycle and a patio set.

The drawing will take place Dec. 19 at the village office. Tickets can be purchased at village office and the three banks in Centreville. Tickets will be sold through Dec. 16.

Proceeds from a bake sale Friday will also benefit the Wolff family, Thibideau added.

Wolff is a third-grade teacher at Centreville Elementary.

In the meantime, Friday’s community Christmas celebration runs 4-7 p.m. Key locations include:

  • Village office, which is hosting Santa, offering free books and a drop-box for items to be donated to Building Hope Free Store.

  • The Chill Bean, 140 W. Main St., is offering free coffee, hot cocoa and will have a wreath sale, photo station and crafts.

  • Yeehaw Discount is sponsoring hayrides and pony rides downtown.

  • Southern Bank and Trust, which is giving away mugs, hot cocoa packets and candy until 5:30 p.m.

  • The Local, which is giving away hats and gloves.

  • Martinson Insurance, where popcorn will be given away.

  • Rooted, 104 E. Main St., home of cookie decorating and pine cone decorating.

  • Omni Community Credit Union, offering games, hot cocoa and prizes.

  • McDonald’s, free coupons for kids.

  • Yoder’s Country Market, which is teaming up with Mill Race Storage and Life Church in offering a craft show 2-6 p.m. in the greenhouse, free donut holes and cider, and the Lions Club will be selling nuts.

Thibideau said she is not surprised the community rose to the occasions — helping Wolff’s family and keeping alive the village-wide Christmas celebration.

“I’m from Colon, I live in Colon, so I know from being raised in a small town, helping people under such serious circumstances is just what we do, whether it’s Colon, Centreville or any of our communities,” she said.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Hometown Christmas event to benefit ailing resident