Edmonson Inc. and Santa’s Helping Hands

 

 

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Managing Editor

 

September 30, 2026 Edmonson Inc. held a Lunch and Learn event for members. This event was sponsored by Santa’s Helping Hands with lunch provided by Rafferty’s.

Mark Wardlow and Jeff Rich, two of the co-founders of Santa’s Helping Hands spoke about how they began, what they do, and how others can help.  It began with a group of friends discussing Christmas and the kids in Edmonson County. The group wanted to be able to help out so they started reaching out to schools and members in the community to see who might need some help to give every child a Merry Christmas.  The first year 2005 $15,000 was raised. Fast forward to the last year where group raised $95,000 .

Things have changed for SHH, because they not only help with Christmas but with gas and food cards when families have to travel for medical treatments, or if someone’s home is destroyed. They also help when custody of a child needs to change, and those providing a home need help for clothes for the kids or diapers, they have even bought several beds over the years through United Home Furniture at a discount. A small idea that has grown to help all residents of Edmonson County.

The auction is not the only fund raiser they have, they also hold a golf tournament. 100% of the money stays in the county. The only expense for SHH is Sheldon’s tax service and insurance. Each person pays for their own gas and meals and donates their time.

The next SHH Auction will be Nov. 7 with a shopping day to follow. Wardlow and Rich thanked everyone who has helped from the volunteers who do the shopping, to the sports teams who each either help raise money or help to sort out everything purchased, to those who attend the auction and donate money. They only have two rules, 1. You must live in Edmonson County and 2. They never give cash.

Wardlow also mentioned Barbara Fitzhugh and Vickie Walker as being important community sponsors. Fitzhugh runs St. John’s Thrift store and food pantry and Walker runs Edmonson County Senior Food Pantry.  Fitzhugh invited everyone to attend Coffee with a Trooper on October 7 at A+ Healthcare, Suit 104 at 9:00am. Walker wanted to remind everyone that there will be a pop up drivers license event on October 14, 2026 and BRASS Sale October 14, 2026.

Edmonson Inc. will hold a golf scramble at Shady Hollow Golf Course on October 24, 2026. There are still open spots available for this. They will also host a Community Health Fair on October 28. Proceeds from the golf scramble will go to a scholarship for a Edmonson County student and Edmonson Inc. will be providing a internship to two students. Edmonson Inc. says you do not have to own a business to become a member. Individuals are welcome to join and support the Chamber.