2025 was another wonderful year for our “Ornaments for Kids” program, a heartfelt outreach effort where club members hand-carve and paint ornaments to share with children throughout our community. Each ornament represents craftsmanship, talent, and the simple desire to bring joy to a child’s holiday season.
This meaningful program was founded by former member and exceptional carver Dick Middleton, whose generosity and vision continue to inspire us. Though Dick is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in every ornament we carve. In fact, the program has not only continued but has grown and expanded since his passing—reaching more children each year and spreading even more smiles.
This year, we proudly delivered 220 ornaments to kindergarten students in the Covington Independent Public Schools, including:
- John G. Carlisle Elementary
- Latonia Elementary
- Sixth District Elementary
- Ninth District Elementary
In addition, 10 ornaments were shared with an adult workshop in Indiana, and 35 ornaments were delivered to the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home.
Three of our members personally visited the elementary schools to hand out the ornaments—and were rewarded with beaming smiles, wide eyes, and giddy excitement that made every carving hour worthwhile.
Our efforts were further amplified by the generosity of the National Wood Carvers Association through their Holiday Ornament Share & Care Campaign. Their donated ornaments allowed us to reach even more children than last year and extend the joy even further.
Learn more about their program here: https://chipchats.org/page-18175
Looking ahead, the club has already purchased wood in preparation for the 2026 season, and carving will begin soon. Through this tradition, we honor Dick’s memory in the best possible way: by giving, creating, and sharing the spirit of the season one hand-carved ornament at a time.
