Target Dayton Welcomes 4K Attendees to Convention Center

Target Dayton Ministries continued its Christmas tradition, welcoming around 4,000 to the Dayton Convention Center. Target Dayton Ministries has been serving the less fortunate and unhoused community in the inner city for more than 25 years.

“This is like a big Christmas Day,” said Cindi Stevens, director of Target Dayton Ministries. “It’s not at my house but it’s here.”

Everyone who came to the convention center received a boxed lunch with a Walmart and McDonald’s gift card. Kids got a teddy bear as well. “God has given us a heart for these special people,” said Cindi.

She couldn’t be happier with the turnout. Due to the economic uncertainty of 2025, Target Dayton had actually prepared for an additional 1,500 guests this year.

From organizers and volunteers to those waiting in line to get inside, people said they’re grateful for Target Dayton Ministries and hope they continue this event for years to come.

“We thank God that, you know, we have the opportunity to come out and do some Christmas,” said an attendee going by the name Antoinette. “Even if we can’t do anything at home.”

This year, Target Dayton added a Christmas experience for younger children and families in a separate area at the convention center. One mother says she’s not sure what she would do without it.

“I always motivate myself to come here, every year,” said Jada Thompson. “I like the choirs, I like how they talk about God.”

“I like everything.”

Some of it wouldn’t be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers such as Wayne Waite.

“It’s good for the heart,” said Wayne. “And it’s one of the best Christmas ever.”

After agreeing to volunteer in recent weeks. Wayne thought it might be nice to make it a family affair, so he brought along grandsons Jonathan and Matthew.

“I feel like it’s wonderful because I love the sense that we can give back to those who might not have as much as others, but we can help them many ways,” said Jonathan.

Brother Matthew was equally enthused.

“It’s a new tradition for our family,” he said.

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