About Chimes for Charity
Our Mission
Chimes for Charity is a community project sponsored each year by the Union City Jaycees and J’Cettes. The endeavor is made possible by hundreds of merchants and citizens of Obion County. The purpose of this project is to provide food, clothing, and toys to the less fortunate in Union City and Obion County during the Christmas Season.
The project began in 1934 under Jaycee President Gus White and was known as the Christmas Paper Sale. At that time a Christmas paper was published and donated by the Union City Daily Messenger. This paper was sold by the Jaycees for ten cents a copy. The proceeds were used to buy food for the underprivileged.
In 1946, Jaycee President, Paul Hudgens, tagged the Christmas project “Chimes For Charity”. From these humble beginnings the project went county wide and Jimmy Haskins began his long career as emcee of the radio program. Mr. Haskins continued in this position until the mid 1970’s. In 1989 the Chimes for Charity Project was dedicated to Mr. Haskins who had passed away during the previous year. The Chimes for Charity Program has received national recognition during the past 80 years.
Christmas Baskets
Prior to Christmas, many volunteers gather to sort through the many donations of canned goods and non-perishable items, put boxes together and prepare the labels that are used in packing. Many volunteers gather to help pack the baskets tat will be delivered prior to Christmas.
Children's Shopping Tour
Children from the Headstart programs in Obion County and children from the pre-K classes through 8th grade from the local elementary schools are treated to a shopping trip the weekend before Thanksgiving. The children shop for coats, clothing, and other necessary items for school such as backpacks and lunch boxes. The names are provided to Chimes by the teachers and principals in the county and city school systems. Many of the children would not have warm clothing for the winter if not for Chimes for Charity.
