December is the start of our Christmas outreach program here at Citychurch, but before we begin each program, we like to take a moment and reflect on the work God has called us to do, and why we do it, or...the "heart" of the work.
As most of you know, we gather items, toys, toiletries and basic daily needs for a child's life all year long from faithful donors like yourselves. We gather them to place in boxes which will be wrapped in Christmas paper like a large present and hand delivered to the children we serve in the neighborhood.
Why? Because nothing portrays love to a child better than someone handing them a gift, completely free at a time when they may most feel forgotten. The families in these neighborhoods are doing well if they are able to provide one meal a day to the kids, the last thing they can provide is a normal Christmas morning with a tree drowning in presents underneath.
But the nature of our gifts are not materialistic. We provide not only toys, but educational books and materials that can bring a family together in the growth of a child. There are basic needs of everyday life like underwear, toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant...toothbrushes, blankets and pillows...items most people wouldn't think about giving or receiving, but they end up meaning the world to these kids. Also, the box is large enough, that it has enough contents to keep the child busy all Christmas day. They can pull one item out, play with it, then return and be surprised with something else!
Just like with any gift, no matter the contents, the old saying holds true in any social setting, "it is not the gift, but the thought that counts". For a child, whom is constantly ignored, a box full of thoughtful items warms their hearts and let's them know that there are people who do care, but more importantly, it allows us to share with them about their God who truly cares, and has not forgotten them.
Stay tuned for the next entry, as we share with you the logistics and daily work required to fill over 300 boxes and wrap them for a Citychurch Christmas!
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