HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Church’s Christmas Gift giving program assisted almost 700 persons in the greater Henderson County area to have a merrier, brighter holiday season.
Parishioners chose items for needy children, teens, young mothers and seniors by affixing tags they had selected earlier to their wrapped gifts which were then were transported to the altar at Masses Dec. 2-3. On the following Monday, all gifts were sorted according to the charitable agency that donors selected, then allocated to five local agencies for distribution to their clients.
“Once again we have shown the spirit of compassion that energizes us,” said Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor. “I am truly proud of everyone.”
Program coordinator Jo Ann Kelly agreed, “The turnout was marvelous and I continue to be amazed at the generosity shown and thank the many people who helped in the distribution process.”
— Sid Baker
WINSTON-SALEM — St. Leo the Great Church hosted its annual Christmas Outreach Program Dec. 9-10, providing 56 families (more than 200 people) with Christmas dinner, gifts and groceries.
The families came from churches as far north as St. Joseph of the Hills in Eden and as far south as Our Lady of the Highways in Thomasville, as well as families in Winston-Salem who work with Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR) in becoming independent and moving forward in their lives. Parishioners repeat the Outreach Program at Eastertime.
— Pam McVicker