OUR STORY
The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund began in 1930, when Columbus firefighters came together to make sure local children in need had gifts to open on Christmas morning.
That first year, firefighters raised $1,500 from the community and hosted a Christmas party for approximately 50 children. Firefighters provided the gifts and even dressed as Santa Claus.
As the need grew, so did the Cheer Fund. What began as a simple act of kindness became an annual community tradition. In 1949, the first bicycle was given to a child, beginning a tradition that continues today.
More than 95 years later, the Cheer Fund remains dedicated to the same simple idea: bringing our community together to make Christmas brighter for local children.
Today, the Cheer Fund is recognized as Bartholomew County’s oldest charity and relies entirely on public donations and community support. Firefighters, volunteers, donors, businesses and organizations all play a role in making the program possible.
The faces may change over the years, but the mission remains the same.
OUR PURPOSE
The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund provides Christmas assistance to children ages 0–18 in Bartholomew County who are in need.
Each year, the Cheer Fund helps local children experience the joy of Christmas through new toys, bicycles, books, stuffed animals, stocking stuffers and other gifts.
1,500 Children served each year
13,000 New toys distributed
200 Bicycles given to local children
$100–$200 In gifts for each child
The Cheer Fund makes a special effort to serve children of all ages—including older teens, who can be especially difficult to serve through traditional holiday programs.
Behind every number is a child. A child who gets to experience the excitement of opening a gift on Christmas morning. A child who knows that someone in their community cares.
That is the purpose of the Cheer Fund.
WHO WE ARE
The Cheer Fund is a community effort.
The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and Co-Chairs who help guide the organization, oversee fundraising and ensure the mission continues to meet the needs of children throughout Bartholomew County.
2026 Co-Chairs
Seth Burton
Kyle Whipker
Ethan Yeley
2026 Board Members
Scott Andrews
Wyatt Barkes
Alexis Baxter
Jeff Brown
Cody Hercamp
Jason Major
Alicia Monroe
Travis Quillen
Crissy Riley
Allen Smith
Ryan Smith
Casey Taylor
Patrick Volland
Brayden Warfield
Cameron Ziegler
Mark Ziegler
