Christmas bureau serves 512 people

More than 500 people were served during the annual Jackson County Ministerial Alliance Christmas Bureau held earlier this month.

Co-directors Jennifer Godfrey and Jennifer Ingels reported that the annual event provided gifts, a box of food and a bag of essential items to a total of 512 people, including 67 senior or disabled adults and 236 children. 

Last year, a total of 762 people were served.

“A total of 180 boxes of food were distributed and close to 200 essential bags were given out,” Godfrey said. “The day went really fast. We had lots of compliments from volunteers on how smooth things went.”

The Christmas Bureau allows income-eligible parents, seniors and disabled residents to “shop” for free presents and stocking stuffers among many items donated by the community. Free gift wrapping was also available that day by volunteers.  

Residents filled out applications in November to participate in the Christmas Bureau and then were given a specific time slot between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. that Friday to pick out their gifts at Evangel United Methodist Church. 

Throughout the event, a total of 25 bicycles were given away. 

“A grandmother came through the bike line and said she was so grateful because her grandson’s bike had been stolen the week before and that bike was the only way he gets to school,” Ingels said. 

Toys were also received from an area Toys for Tots drive, and the Heart of Jackson Humane Society provided cat and dog food and treats for the pets of bureau participants. 

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the event,” Ingels said. “The AmeriCorps volunteers were real lifesavers. They helped us move things Wednesday, set up Thursday and were there all day Friday wrapping and loading gifts into vehicles.”

Godfrey agreed. 

“They had such great attitudes and had lots of energy,” Godfrey said. 

Godfrey and Ingels said they were able to purchase additional food and gift items with donated funds before the event.

“We really needed additional gifts for children ages 11 to 18,” Godfrey said. “They are just hard to buy for and next year we really want to focus on their needs.”

More than 100 volunteers donated their time and resources to this year’s Christmas Bureau, it was reported.

“We want to give a huge thank you to all of our volunteers and to everyone in the community who gave their time, money and gifts,” Godfrey said. “We couldn’t have done it without our volunteers.”

Both Godfrey and Ingels said they have committed to serve as the coordinators for next year’s event.

“That’s our plan,” Godfrey said. “We may change a few things, and we’re going to try to raise funds for the event throughout the entire year.”