8th St. Mission holds annual toy & clothing distribution

Families in need receive holiday blessings

By John Rech

news@theeveningtimes.com

A couple hundred children turned out with their families for a Christmas Eve luncheon and toy give away at the Eighth Street Mission for Jesus Christ. Bright eyed children heard Mission Director Larry Brown tell about the record generosity of local auctioneers that rounded up toy and clothing donations.

It was the fourth year that the local businessmen provided gifts for the community. Each child received one toy and an article of clothing which included new name brand shoes, coats or warm camoufl age. Brown told the children the food and toys were tangible signs that God loved them.

“When you play with the toy or put the clothes look in the mirror and remember that is the Lords way of showing you that the Lord Loves you and thinks about you,” said Brown.

Brown waxed eloquently with John 3:16 and song lyrics to make the point.

“Jesus loves you, this I know for the Bible tells me so,” recited Brown.

“Little ones to Him belong. Yes, Jesus loves you. Its awesome that God shows his love, not just in the spiritual realm but so you can see it, like in His birth, life, work, death and resurrection.”

“God does manifest himself in the spiritual and the natural world,” said Brown. “Christmas is a manifestation of God touching us. What an honor to receive the same love shown in his birth 2000 years ago. ‘Tis the season not to idolize the toys but to remember the giver of all good gifts.”

Brown played a Christmas documentary while lunch was served by volunteers. The children enjoyed chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, Kool-Aid and cake before the drawing took place for the toys and clothes.