Caroling for a cause: Sikeston neighborhood embraces the spirit of giving this Christmas

Photo provided Children and their parents in one Sikeston neighborhood sing carols Dec. 13, 2024, at the home of Dennis and Karen Ziegenhorn. The group sings for donations and raised over $1,000 for the Bulldog Pantry this year.

SIKESTON — Children and their parents in one Sikeston neighborhood have a tradition of caroling once a year at Christmas time to raise money, and this year they earned over $1,000 for the Bulldog Pantry.

Sikeston resident Bart Ziegenhorn, who lives in the neighborhood, helped establish the tradition three years ago. He said his children and some friends inspired the idea of Christmas carols.

“My kids and some other friends of ours from next door were just talking about caroling one night and we just came up with the idea to do it to raise money.

He continued: “Three years ago we got the neighborhood kids together and a couple of families and we went around the neighborhood and raised money for Spread Hope Now. Last year and this year we raised money for Bulldog Pantry.”

Ziegenhorn said both youngsters and adults join in the caroling event.

Photo provided Children from one Sikeston neighborhood pose for a photo together while caroling for donations Dec. 13, 2024. The group sings for donations and raised over $1,000 for the Bulldog Pantry this year.

“We decorate side-by-sides and trailers and just go around our neighborhood to different houses,” Ziegenhorn said. “The parents will drive the kids to all the houses, and we just carol and have a good night.”

Ziegenhorn said Friday, Dec. 13 was their neighborhood Christmas caroling event, which they always do before the holiday arrives.

“Each year we will pick one night sometime before Christmas to go caroling,” Ziegenhorn said. “We will let the houses know beforehand that we are coming and give them a time range.” 

According to Ziegenhorn, their neighborhood is on the north end of Sikeston near Greenbrier Drive. He said many children participate and ranging in age from 6 months to 13 years old.

“The kids really enjoy it and look forward to it every year,” Ziegenhorn said. “The neighbors love it, too. A bunch of the families that know we are coming usually have cookies or treat bags for the kids.” 

Ziegenhorn said the children wanted to raise money specifically for the Bulldog Pantry.

“We’ve done the Bulldog Pantry since the second year because it’s close to heart for all of us,” Ziegenhorn said. “Almost all of our children out here go to Lee Hunter Elementary (where the pantry is housed) so the Bulldog Pantry is really special to us.”

According to Ziegenhorn, the neighborhood’s annual Christmas caroling event is beneficial because it reminds everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.

“It reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about receiving presents; it’s also about spreading the joy of giving back to others,” Ziegenhorn said.