We have been blessed to share with many the abundance of joy and holiday cheer to those in need. On two consecutive Saturdays in December we held our annual Senior Santa Parties at two assisted living facilities complete with visits from Santa, Carolers, Goodie Bags, and Lap Robes which were hand crafted through the year by our Lap Robe group. Over 500 lap robes have been made and distributed to the elderly and young mothers over the past 10 years.
On Christmas Eve, over 100 HOPE worldwide volunteers (about half from the Jacksonville Church of Christ and half from the community) distributed nearly 3,000 toys to several hundred families and children of Fairway Oaks and The Hilltop Village Apartments as a part of our 10th annual toy drive and distribution. Felicia Johnson, from the Jacksonville Public Housing Authority remarked “how thankful she was to see so many helped during difficult economic times.” Members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were also present and remarked how orderly and helpful this was to the community. They took several bags of toys to families in need in their patrol region to help on Christmas Eve.
We benefit greatly from the Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville (CCPOJ) and their generosity with leftover toys from their party which serves over 6,100 children. The Jacksonville Church also donated many toys as well as community donations. Tad Strong, Board Member of the CCPOJ brought his entire family with in-laws and remarked “how special and encouraging this was to participate this year and they plan on making this a family tradition.” First Coast News was also on site and ran a story that evening on ABC TV-25 & NBC TV-12.
Watch a Video of the Newscast Below
The toys were also distributed throughout foster homes, a school and to individual families in need thereby assisting nearly 200 additional children and families. We were also able to purchase 18 bicycles, helmets, locks and a variety of sports equipment for selected children through restricted funds for this purpose.
Overall this was a great success and we are thankful to the many volunteers who participated and especially to Jacksonville Chapter Advisory Board Member, Brad Jens, who took on a new leadership role in organizing the toy drive and distribution. Also, thanks go to Keith and Juanita Russell and Sean and Carole Jennings who headed up our Senior Santa parties.
~ Jim Mackie
Chapter Director, Jacksonville
Bring Hope to Children in Jacksonville Year-Round
Visit us at www.HOPEww.org to learn more about all of HOPE worldwide's programs and see how you can be a part of global change to bring hope to some of the world's most needy.
To read more articles from HOPE worldwide on Disciples Today:
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Valentina's Story |
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One Family's Disaster Story Click here |
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New Center of HOPE Ushers in Season of Service Click here |