In 2012, Giving Tuesday was created to be a day that encourages people to do good. This simple idea has since grown into a global generosity movement. Each year, December 3rd is a day set aside to inspire us all to help others. Whether you donate time or money, participate with a group or on your own, there’s always a way to be a part of the movement.
Christian Help Christmas Distribution
Although December 3rd is the designated day for celebrating ways to give back to others, opportunities to help those in need are available throughout the year. One such day is December 14th at the Annual Christian Help of Kermit, West Virginia Christmas Distribution. Christian Help, which recently celebrated 25 years of service, is a registered non-profit agency working to serve those in need in their area.
In the weeks prior to the distribution, low-income families in Mingo County are able to complete applications to sign up for the December event. Applications are taken at the Kermit location and the staff also goes out to different communities to reach more in need. During the year, Christian Help gathers supplies and donations to be distributed in December.
“Basically, we set up a store in the old Kermit school gym. We like to allow parents the dignity of picking out what they’d like their child to have,” says Teresa McCune, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Christian Help.
McCune explains all the items are divided into categories based on age, types of toys, art supplies, books, DVD’s, clothing, and more. Some years, the organization also provides gift wrapping to the families. Since the children are not present during the distribution, Christmas morning is a wonderful surprise. Before leaving, each family also receives a dinner food basket.
In 2018, McCune reports 140 families with a combined total of 355 children participated in the distribution.
Make the Choice to Give
So, how can you help? By giving. Giving of monetary donations. Giving of new, unwrapped toys and gift items for the distribution. Giving of your time. Volunteers are always appreciated to work the event.
McCune tells us, “People from all across the eastern United States come to help with the distribution, including students from various Catholic schools and individuals from as far away as New York and Georgia.”
To get more information about Christian Help and the Christmas Distribution, give them a call at 304-393-4251 or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Christian-Help-of-MIngo-County-WV-105924904109892/
On this Giving Tuesday, make the choice to give. Whether you’re giving money or giving your time, both are important.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet.