Just before Christmas (Yes, I know this post is late....just consider it a belated Christmas gift from me to you) Kevin and I had the privilege of interacting with a local organization called Steps for Kids. A couple from our church is highly involved and extended an invitation for us to come and read the Christmas story at the annual Christmas party. This organization provides Christmas gifts for children in Marion County who otherwise would have none. Each family undergoes a screening process and there are some guidelines that must be met. 1. No family is helped more than once...simply because there are too many children out there who need assistance. 2. The child and at least one parent or guardian must attend the annual Christmas party and all gifts must be opened on the premesis. This makes it harder for parents or anyone else to sell the gifts later. 3. Each family must provide a list of clothing and necessities as well as toys that each child would like.
The week before Christmas we met at the local elementary school where the kids got their pictures taken with Santa and recieved a gift from him. Some liked it and some didn't....you know how that goes. Then they moved on to devour pizza and snacks. Once their bellies were full, Kevin told them the Christmas story (they're less squirmy if they're full) and prayed with them. Finally, when their little hearts could take no more...the gifts came. Each child recieves $200 worth of gifts and for most it was the biggest and best Christmas ever! We had a wonderful time passing out gifts, ooohhing and aaahhhing, wading through the wrapping paper wonderland, and carrying gifts out to the cars.
Generally, Steps for Kids helps about 105 kids each Christmas. Due to a lack of funds and help they were only able to help 34 kids this year. As a result this will be the last year that Steps for Kids is in operation. We hate to see such a good thing end. Jasper Church of the Nazarene may not be able to do all that Steps for Kids did but hopefully next Christmas we can take a more active role in helping Marion County kids.
Check out the pictures....
A mountain of presents!
This is Mack...he is one of our churchgoers and he loves helping out the kids...one of the kindest guys you'll ever meet.
Patricia Simmons and Carol Leathers. Carol is Mack's wife and Patricia is her mother. Carol has been in leadership with Steps for Kids for many years. She's so sad to see it end!
May we all strive to be generous and kind in the new year,
Kevin and Mandy
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