The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 29, 2009

Project to make Christmas bright for kids

By Michelle James

On Dec. 12, some Fayette County children and their parents will be escorted through special stores where they will pick out Christmas presents for their loved ones.

However, no money is needed at these “stores,” which will be set up at Midland Trail High School by volunteers for the New Haven Christmas Project.

The project, in its fourth year, involves churches and organizations whose members collect new and lightly used toys for children as well as items for their parents and coats for all ages.

Students from throughout the New Haven District in Fayette County as well as their parents will be led through rooms designated for boys, girls and adults.

“You’d be really surprised by how excited the kids are,” organizer Rick Lewis said. “A lot of the excitement for them is getting a gift for their parent.

“They are more excited about getting a gift for them than receiving one.”

After they have picked out presents for their loved ones, the gifts will be wrapped and the families will be sent home with a box that will include a full Christmas dinner with a 15-pound ham and all the fixings.

Additionally, Bibles will be available for those who are interested.

The families included in the project are any from the New Haven District. Lewis said informational letters were sent home with each student.

There are no income criteria. Lewis said the main goal is to “share God’s love.”

“We just want to be a witness for Him and help people have a brighter Christmas,” he said.

The following churches, organizations and businesses are participating in the project:

Ansted Baptist, Ansted Methodist, Liberty Baptist, Russellville Baptist, Minniebell Baptist, Grave Baptist, Lovers Leap Baptist, Light House Worship Center, Hopewell Baptist, Hilton Village Baptist, Lookout Baptist, Kenny’s Creek Baptist, Fayetteville Methodist, Fayetteville Baptist, Cunard Baptist, Fayetteville Junior Women’s Club, Fayetteville Elementary School PTO, Dr. William Klenk and the New River Gorge Harley Davidson Hog Chapter.

Lewis said he is hopeful others will come on board.

Donations can be dropped off at New River Harley Davidson in Hico as well as Fayetteville United Methodist Church.

Those interested in making monetary donations can mail checks to the New Haven Christmas Project, P.O. Box 100, Ansted, WV 25812.

For more information, contact Lewis at 304-573-8220.

— E-mail: mjames@register-herald.com

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