For the past 36 years, the Tour of Good Cheer has brought the spirit of Christmas and goodwill to over 100,000 underserved individuals and families on the Saturday before Christmas within the greater Cleveland area. Founded by CATS board member, Dick Clough, the Tour stops at 10 local agencies sharing essential items such as warm coats, scarves, gloves, various clothing items and much, much more.
This past Saturday, the tour made its annual stop at CATS. Grateful clients were thrilled to find an abundance of winter clothing in an array of sizes and styles. Previous visits have included a live band, facility tours and up to 100 of Dick’s friends volunteering to disburse gifts directly to the recipients.
As with most events in 2020, the Tour was modified due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“This year we will have less people joining us on the Tour in order to practice social distancing. We won’t be going into each location to pass out items, but instead will drop off bins with the donations. Although this year will be different, the spirit of giving and helping Cleveland’s less fortunate is more powerful than ever during the current pandemic,” said Mr. Clough.
Each year, one thing remains the same; the power of community. It is community members coming together to make the Tour of Good Cheer a success year after year. More than 350 known donors contribute cash, goods and services each year in addition to countless anonymous donors. In 2019, the Tour supplied 9,000 items to approximately 1,200 kids, adults and caregivers throughout Cleveland. January through December, Mr. Clough collects, sorts and stores donations at his Lakewood residence.
For more than three decades, the reach of the Tour has continued to grow in partnership with the Cleveland Police Athletic League. We look forward to the Tour’s expansion of good works in the coming years. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/TourOfGoodCheer.
