1,300 Forgotten Virginians Enjoy 12 Days of Christmas
More than 1,300 people living in Virginia’s Hampton Roads received holiday joy during
Operation Blessing’s first 12 Days of Christmas celebration! December 1st -12th,
we focused on unique ways to bless groups normally overlooked during the holiday cheer. Partnering
with 22 non-profit community groups, activities included holiday meals and gifts for at-risk teens,
the elderly, mentally ill, migrant workers the homeless, prisoners’ families and others.
Last Thursday, half of the Seatack Community Center’s gym was transformed into a banquet
hall. Eighty-five senior citizens enjoyed an afternoon complete with Christmas music, a holiday
lunch and gifts. Working together for the first time, Operation Blessing and Senior Services of
Southeastern Virginia hosted four separate events for 600 senior citizens throughout the 12
Days of Christmas. John Skirven, of Senior Services commented, “We could not have had
these events without Operation Blessing.”
Delivering a Feast
All day Friday multiple volunteer teams delivered 150 gift baskets to shut-ins and the poor. Volunteers
spent the morning at the New Mt. Vernon Baptist Church packing specific baskets of non perishable
food items. Each household also received a turkey or chicken and a bag of fruit.
Mr. Winslow welcomed the unexpected volunteers when he answered the door. His days are spent
caring for his bedridden wife. “Thank you so very much. Your kindness was like being touched
by an angel. God bless you. May God bless you all,” said the grateful man.
On a later stop, we woke up Mrs. Browser from a nap. The sweet-spirited 90-year-old said, “I’ll
tell the world about this!” She was filled with joy when volunteers put the heavy turkey
away into the freezer.
Bring Joy to the World
Operation Blessing’s Holiday of Hope activities aren’t only going on in Virginia.
With the help of our partners, Operation Blessing will bring holiday joy to tens of thousands
of hurting men, women and children across the United States as well as around the world! You can
be a part of this wonderful time by giving your gift of $50 or more today! Give an online gift
of $50 or more this month and receive our beautiful Calendar of Caring, perfect for your
home during 2004!
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