CELEBRATING THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY — Clockwise, from top left: Free coats and shoes were distributed to children throughout the Ohio Valley during the Sycamore Youth Center’s eighth-annual Old-Fashioned Country Christmas Concert Dec. 10. Toys were distributed as holiday gifts to girls and boys in attendance, provided by Wal-Mart Distribution Center No. 7017. Approximately 20 volunteers from Wal-mart assisted during the event, having organized the toy drive. The concert featured 19 young adult performers who sang Christmas songs for the more than 400 people in attendance. Guests were treated to food and drinks during intermission. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — An old-fashioned Christmas celebration was held inside the Sycamore Youth Center on Dec. 10, with more than 400 area residents packing into the historic building along Steubenville’s North Fourth Street.

The nonprofit’s eighth-annual Old-Fashioned Country Christmas Concert was one of the center’s largest and most impactful events of the year, organizers announced. The festive evening featured 19 young adult performers, each sharing a Christmas song within a warmly-decorated setting that had been filled with lights, holiday trees and traditional Christmas decor.

The attendance was standing-room-only, according to Sycamore Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman, who said the concert created an atmosphere reminiscent of a classic community Christmas gathering. In addition to the holiday music performances, the event served as a major charitable outreach for local families. Volunteers prepared 300 gifts for children, with all being distributed throughout the evening.

Nearly every winter coat, pair of shoes, hat, glove set and toy available that evening, had been given out by officials. The coats and shoes were made possible by an Operation Warm grant the center was able to secure, allowing hundreds of children to receive the new winter apparel at no cost to their families. The remaining coats will be distributed through local churches and partner charities in the coming days in order to ensure other children who are still in need are reached. The toys were provided, in part, through the support of Wal-Mart Distribution Center No. 7017. Trinity Health System partnered in the effort as well, contributing toys to support local children during the holiday season. Approximately 20 Wal-mart employees volunteered their time to assist during the old-fashioned Christmas event, having organized a toy drive in which to supply those 300 gifts.

Bauman explained the night was a powerful reminder of what can happen when the community comes together.

“This event is about far more than a concert,” he stated. “It’s about dignity, generosity and making sure children in our community know they are loved and cared for. Seeing a packed house and watching families leave with smiles, warm clothing and gifts for their children — that is what Christmas is all about.”

Guests enjoyed free food and drinks during the concert’s intermission. Children visited and had their photo taken with Santa Claus. Volunteers worked throughout the evening to assist families and keep the distribution running smoothly.

Bauman expressed his appreciation to the many volunteers, performers and community partners who made the event possible. He noted weeks of preparation went into organizing the concert and the large-scale giveaway. The Old-Fashioned Country Christmas Concert has become a beloved tradition at the Sycamore Youth Center, blending music, service and community connection.

Organizers said the strong turnout and overwhelming response for this year’s event reaffirms the continued need to hold family-focused events that provide not only a chance for celebration, but practical support during the holidays.