Bonham, Texas -- The 6th annual Spirit of Giving Community Christmas Party was held on the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonham on November 23.
Lots of new and gently used items which were given away, free of charge, to 438 men, women and children in attendance. It was a cold, but glorious day. Both volunteers and guests were richly blessed.
It was exciting and gratifying to see so many churches and civic organizations work together to make this event possible. The Chi Lambda Sorority gave away new bed pillows and blankets.
The K5 Fannin Radio Club served hot dogs and fixings (which have been generously donated for the past four years by Brookshire's) to all guests.
First United Methodist Church gave away many cases of diapers and pull-ups, new toys and other items.
Living Word Church of God gave many baskets full of laundry supplies and paper goods.
The Kiwanis Club set up a gift wrapping station for items chosen as gifts. 73 brand new bicycles which were given away in a drawing were donated by First Presbyterian Church members and some other individual donors.
Cub Scouts Pack 54 built poles that held ropes to act as line dividers, and can be used for future events.
First Baptist Church is greatly appreciated for once again providing their parking lot for volunteers and shoppers to use. Sadie's Willing Workers Sunday School class at First Baptist Church gathered baskets of brand new kitchen items to give to shoppers.
Solid Rock First Pentecostal Church of God brought more than 1700 items of clothing, from their ministry, "Lydia's Closet" to give away.
Bethlehem Baptist Church members brought blankets to give out to the shoppers.
Ivanhoe Baptist Church gave away baskets full of cleaning supplies and paper goods.
The Fannin County Retired Teachers Association provided handmade blankets, baby items and gift baskets to give out.
First Presbyterian Church provided home baked cookies and hot chocolate for guests as they waited in line to enter the event.
Staff from Bailey Inglish Head Start passed out gloves to all the people waiting in line on a very cold morning.
Bonham Assembly of God Church brought socks, toiletries and comfort items to share.
We were also grateful to have a Bonham Police Officer on site to help with parking and crowd control.
Your church, organization, or even your family, is invited to participate in next yearfs Spirit of Giving event. All you have to do is identify and collect an item you would like to give away at your station. Here are some suggestions:
New bath towels and kitchen towels
New toys
New baby items
New, or gently used, coats for children and adults
New socks, all gender and all sizes
Christmas stockings filled with gift items
For more information about how to be involved, contact First Presbyterian Church at 903-583-2014 or info@fpc-bonham.org.
Members of our Mission Committee will be glad to answer questions about the event, or speak to your group about volunteer opportunities.
photos by Carol Amlin