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Gerald and Hazel Syphers are pictured outside underneath a tree in this black-and-white photo.

The story – and the generous heart – behind the fund

When Hazel Syphers passed away in 2014 at 100 years old, she left a series of gifts in her will, including a planned gift to the Morgan Community Fund to provide a wrapped present to children who might not otherwise experience that Christmas joy.

The Morgan Community Fund not only fulfills Hazel’s wishes, but in recent years, its committee members have galvanized the local business community to spread the joy further. The Hazel Syphers Christmas Wish for Kids program provides Morgan County children Christmas gifts and goodies, a holiday movie at the historic Twin City Opera House and a magical day in McConnelsville.

Hazel’s legacy lives on in the children of Morgan County, especially during a holiday season made a little brighter by her love, and a growing community of givers inspired by her generous heart.

Read more about Hazel’s legacy here.

Support the Morgan Foundation Christmas Wish for Kids Fund

Gifts to the Morgan Foundation Christmas Wish for Kids Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, royalties, insurance beneficiaries and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs.

To mail your donation, please designate the fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764.

Donations can be made online by designating the Morgan Foundation Christmas Wish for Kids Fund when donating.