The partners of Secret Santa who joined together this year to meet the needs of families at Christmas are reporting a very successful year.
Sherry Weaver, coordinator of Decatur Community Cares, said that thanks to the generosity of people in the community they were able to serve just over 500 needy children and their families.
“Christmas for these families included family and children’s bibles for all, a few toys or thoughtful gift items for all, and food, coats, clothing, shoes, blankets, heaters and other basic needs, dependent on each individual family’s situation and need,” said Weaver. She said the volunteers finished their deliveries on Christmas Eve.
Weaver added that as they were doing the hands-on work of this project they saw lives touched and hope restored to families. Some were victims of house fires, others struggling due to serious health issues; some had lost jobs in the past several months; while some were single parents suddenly raising their young alone with no support. Others were parents working two jobs just to keep a roof over the family’s head, and some were even members of the Military struggling due to issues outside their control.
Weaver and the Secret Santa partners: Decatur County School Social Workers Debbie Jones and Debra Freeman; Ronnie Burke and Decatur County Family Connection members, and Kevin Dowdy and staff at Live 101.9, are thankful to all those in the community who came together to make a difference. Whether they made monetary donations, sponsored a child or family, or offered to lend a hand as well as pray for the project and families involved, they should know of the success it was and of the blessings received for having been involved.
Their wish for everyone is that God will richly reward their efforts and that the New Year will bring them peace, good health and the joy that comes from knowing that you are loved by the One True God.