SWEDESBORO — Let me start by wishing you a very Merry Christmas
I remember when I was a child asking my parents what I was getting for Christmas.
I was told, “Christmas is not about what you receive, but what you give.”
Christmas in our little town is a special time in the year when many groups of people, some young, some not so young, gather to donate their time, talent and treasure to help our neighbors. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, Cubs Scouts, Churches and you spend our time helping others.
We gather food that is collected at schools, churches, businesses and individuals, sort, inventory, make purchases to round out the inventory, pack and prepare for delivery literally tons of food. Last year is was over seven tons.
This year as in years past, we have placed “Giving Trees” with tags that represent a child in need of a gift. The “Giving Trees” are located at the following locations: Bethesda Methodist Church, The First Baptist Church, St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, The First Presbyterian Church, and at King’s Things Thrift Store.
If you would like to buy a gift, then pick up a tag. We ask you to return the tag with a wrapped gift of your choosing with the tag securely attached. Tagged gifts can return as late as Dec. 15.
Every family on our list will receive a live poinsettia, fresh fruit, a turkey or roasting chicken, food for a Christmas dinner and the week. Each child will receive at least one gift.
King’s Things is anticipating helping over 200 families.
Food can be dropped off at either 1402 Kings Hwy., Swedesboro, or St. Clare of Assisi
Hall located at 140 Broad St., Swedesboro.
Our Schedule for 2016: Monday, Dec. 12 – 6 p.m., sorting of foods; Tuesday, Dec. 13 – 1 a.m., purchasing food; Wednesday, Dec. 14 – 6 p.m., packing food; Thursday, Dec. 15 – 6 p.m., sorting gifts; Saturday, Dec. 17 – 9 p.m. delivery.
And yes, there is a Santa Claus. He lives in hearts of men and women, boys and girls that show love and devotion in helping others. By helping you can put a smile on some ones face, make a child laugh and just to say “Merry Christmas” to a stranger can give you great joy.
If you can spare some time please join us. It will be well spent.
