In Tennessee, the Wilson County Family and Community Education (FCE) club, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee Extension, has transformed the Tennessee State Fairgrounds into a festive edition of Santa’s Workshop.
There, the jolly hands of these FCE members— renowned for their service and cooking skills — are crafting holiday cheer for their community.
“We have all kinds of paper crafts, soaps, scrubs, and a lot of angels,” said FCE member Regina McCarthern, detailing the diverse crafts produced for the exhibit.
Striving to be both resourceful and eco-conscious, they made many of the crafts with repurposed household items, transforming things like wine corks into ornaments. The showcase captures the essence of Christmas creativity with other elements — like a snowman made with inexpensive materials by FCE artist Melissa Cassetty.
According to member Charles Denney, the event also has a philanthropic mission that aligns with FCE’s year-round commitment to helping the needy — noting that crafted items will be sold or donated for charity.
With over 200 members in Wilson County, the FCE’s impact extends well beyond the holiday season,. They recently held another event coordinated by UT Extension, to prepare care packages for people with disabilities in their surrounding community.
Leslyne Watkins, another member, is proud of= the group’s adaptability in addressing diverse needs with creativity and fun.
Through their blend of care and talent, every FCE member has earned a spot on Santa’s “Nice” List.
For those seeking community involvement in 2024 in Tennessee, contacting UT Extension in their county offers entry into FCE clubs, where monthly meetings involve service projects and craft sessions. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
