By Julie Busse, H.I.S. BridgeBuilder GED Instructor

For those of us who work or volunteer in Turner Courts, a normal day is very quiet in the neighborhood. But Christmas Day was no ordinary day.  Volunteers were seen carrying boxes of non-perishables from Feed the Children to each and every apartment.  Residents were eager to welcome them and the open door was also an opportunity to pray or share the gospel.  Many children were outside riding new bikes, and you could see the joy on their faces.  The mood on the streets was actually that of a true community – people connected to one another.  There was a feeling of good cheer towards each other and a sense of expectancy as to what the day would hold. 

The gym of course was packed with people!   Hot Christmas meals were provided for all, and families could sit at tables and eat inside or take food home in to-go boxes.  Half of the gym was filled with donated clothing, and residents were encouraged to take as much as they wanted.  There were even a lot of new donated clothes that some volunteers bought as well as wrapped gifts to be given anonymously.  Everywhere you looked, people were excited to be giving and receiving and sharing the day. 

For the children, the day was extra special.  Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were present and the kids got to sit on his lap to have their photos taken.  Each child got a small gift and some candy.  Even the little ones patiently waited in line to have that experience.  One of the main highlights for the children was the stacks and stacks of toys and presents that were given to parents for each child in their family.  Infants to teenagers received games, dolls, bikes, and every toy imaginable.  Money had been donated to purchase these items, in addition to many individuals who also generously brought gifts.  The volunteers were a great group of people who spent the afternoon blessing others through service and acts of kindness.  The day wouldn’t have been possible without them.

Christmas Day is the celebration of Christ’s birth – God’s greatest gift to all of us.  Loving and serving others is our response and privilege for all God has done for us.  We hope that Christmas 2007 was a celebration in His honor and we continue to offer ourselves, our talents, and our resources all for His Kingdom.