TOLEDO, Ohio — The holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts, but not everyone can afford to give to others, let alone themselves.
That's something Papa's Tavern in east Toledo hopes to change.
For nearly 20 years, the bar has adopted a local family to support during the holiday season. From necessities to toys, the staff at Papa's Tavern wants to give the gift of Christmas.
"You name it, they need it," said Mary Wilson, coordinator for the Fellowship Pentecostal Holiness Church in east Toledo.
For Wilson, a new holiday season means finding a new family to help.
"It renews that faith in mankind. And that's what's needed now," Wilson said.
Tim Stahl and his wife, Lisa, have partnered with Wilson at the church to pick a family to spread holiday cheer to.
"When I say we get presents, I mean we fill up the back of a pickup truck and we take it over to them," said Stahl, co-owner and operator of Papa's Tavern, which is on Liberty Street near Woodville Road.
Their annual effort began more than 17 years ago. It got more difficult to keep up over the years though, so they began their partnership with Wilson when they met her in 2020.
"(Those in need are) not hard to find. They find us," Wilson said. "That love, that kindness, that compassion, that empathy that you can have, and not just talk about it, but be about it."
This year's family includes four boys, ranging from 11 to 18 years old, who are being raised by their mother after their father's death earlier in the year.
"She's getting a second chance to be a stronger mom, a better mom. And she can't do that by herself," Wilson said.
"I think it's going to be one of their best Christmases ever, and for her to have her kids together now, and to be able to celebrate that and not have to worry about the financial burden," Stahl added.
Stahl says giving back to neighbors is the best gift there is to give.
"Just to see the look on their faces for the little, small things that people see at the dollar store and think nothing of it, means a lot to these guys," he said.
Wilson says there is no shortage of families in need during the holiday season. From canned foods to clothing, bedding, and toys, there's always something to offer.
"That's what we're all about: catering and nurturing the families that are moving into the neighborhood," Wilson said.
Donations can be dropped off at Papa's Tavern anytime until Dec. 21 for the family. The bar will also host a free meal on Christmas Day for anyone in need.