Our last few weeks of the year are always fast, furious, and an absolute blast! We kicked of our Christmas season December 14 with the Sharing Tree Christmas store at Hillside Church. 296 families came through the store (including so many of our 2540 families) and were able to shop for 2 presents for each of their children at a cost of just $5 per child (or 5 cans of food for High Plains Food Bank). This is such a powerful, uplifting day for families in need. They’re able to pick out presents, pay for them, and get them wrapped up. To be able to come home and say “Look what I bought you” is so empowering for families in need. 1159 kids received presents from the store, which was a record! We’re so thankful to the Hillside North Grand Campus for letting us be a part of this special day.

We then spent the week of December 16 holding 9 Christmas parties in just 4 days (we combined the Cathy’s Pointe and North Grand Villas parties since they are next door to each other). We ate well over 1000 Chicken nuggets and 200 Christmas cookies. We did Christmas word searches and colored pictures and ran around outside because this week was unseasonably warm. 201 kids (plus several more parents) attended our parties, received Christmas goodie bags, and, most importantly, heard the Christmas story. This is one of our favorite weeks of the year. There’s nothing better than getting to spread the Hope and Joy of Jesus’ birth with families who need a little bit of both this time of year.

Thanks to all of you who give, volunteer, and encourage us so that we can do this year in and year out. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mission 2540!