Thomas CCF Launches First-Ever Match Day
by Derek White
November 14, 2025
The Thomas County Community Foundation is inviting residents to take part in two cornerstone events this holiday season — the county’s first-ever Match Day on Giving Tuesday, December 2, and the return of Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, December 6.
Executive Director Jada Tubbs said the new Match Day effort stems from the Patterson Family Foundation’s earlier $100,000 match grant. Half of that gift strengthened the foundation’s long-term operating endowment, while the other half allowed the local foundation to invest $35,000 directly into a countywide match campaign.
“It’s a dollar-for-dollar match until the $35,000 is gone,” Tubbs explained. “It’s a one-day opportunity for people to give back, grow local causes, and help our funds promote themselves.”
Match Day coincides with the national Giving Tuesday movement — the Tuesday following Thanksgiving — encouraging Americans to shift from Black Friday spending to charitable giving. Donors may contribute online at GrowThomasCounty.org or in person at the foundation’s conference room from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ten participating funds are listed on the website, each sharing its mission, photos, and local goals.
The event also carries a hands-on educational twist. In partnership with Western State Bank, every fifth-grader in Thomas County will receive $10 to donate to the fund of their choice. Tubbs will spend the week of November 17 visiting schools in Brewster, Colby Public, Sacred Heart, Heartland Christian, and Golden Plains, teaching students about philanthropy before they make their gift.
“We’re talking about giving of your time, your talents, and your treasure,” she said. “Then the students will come to Match Day, meet the organizations, and experience giving firsthand.”
Participating groups range from youth sports and school foundations to civic and cultural causes. Tubbs said many will have displays or small exhibits, and visitors can enjoy coffee, cookies, and conversation while learning more about community projects.
Following Match Day, the foundation turns its attention to Santa’s Workshop, returning Saturday morning, December 6, from 9 to 11 a.m. Children ages 4 to 10 are invited to shop for gifts for family members with the help of volunteer “elves.” Each child may select up to four gifts for a suggested donation of $7 per item.
The event, which began more than four decades ago and came under the foundation’s care in the mid-2000s, continues to thrive thanks to volunteers and donors who supply items and funds each year. Members of the RSVP retirement volunteer group help with gift-wrapping, and community members contribute merchandise for men, women, and teachers so every child can find the perfect present.
“The process is quick — about ten minutes per shopper — but it’s magical to watch,” Tubbs said. “They come in so excited, carrying their little tickets and lists of who they’re buying for. By the time they leave, they’re beaming with pride.”
Proceeds from Santa’s Workshop sustain the project itself and often circle back into youth-oriented grants through the foundation.
For details on Match Day, visit GrowThomasCounty.org, and for information on the Thomas County Community Foundation or ways to start or support a fund, go to ThomasCCF.com.