The Grinch stealing Christmas in Alabama isn’t likely to have a change of heart.
For many children in the state, poverty snatches away the childhood joys associated with the holiday.
“They may not wake up with toys under the tree,” said Lori Abercrombie, a member of New Temple Baptist Church, Dora, and director of Mission of Hope, a nonprofit ministry in Dora.
But Dec. 12, about 100 volunteers gathered at Mission of Hope to help change that. They spent two hours preparing for the ministry’s annual toy giveaway, which provides poverty-stricken children with a Christmas they otherwise might not have.
At this year’s giveaway Dec. 18, the Mission of Hope took on a “North Pole” theme. Each of the 175 children scheduled to come at press time entered a room filled with toys and selected five to take home, as well as a new jacket, hat, gloves and shoes. The children also got their picture taken with Santa Claus.
“For many of these children, this will be Christmas for them … so we try to do everything we can to make this day a day they will remember, ” Abercrombie said.
But the fun wasn’t just for the children. The adults who came with them listened to music and had a chance to win door prizes put together by volunteers.
“If you want to see excitement on someone’s face, see a little old woman who wins Christmas decorations,” said Steve Abercrombie, Lori’s husband. “We take that stuff for granted.”
Throughout the year, the ministry aids impoverished families in the surrounding area with twice-a-month food giveaways. More than 150 families start to line up as early as 4 a.m. to receive food, clothing and hygiene supplies.
“You wouldn’t think there are people in the United States with nothing to eat,” said Donald Blackmon, a volunteer and member of New Temple Baptist.
Lori Abercrombie said some families require long-term food assistance while others may come to the food giveaway only a few times before getting back on their feet.
“Lately we’re seeing a lot of people like me and you, families where the husband has lost his job,” said Jamie Blackmon, a volunteer and member of New Temple Baptist. “It’s hitting closer to home with this economy.”
Every event at the Mission of Hope begins with local ministers sharing the Word of God. Lori Abercrombie hopes the people who come for food assistance also will be able to find a church family.
She strives to keep the Mission of Hope a place to which the poor will not be ashamed to come.
“These people are our family, not just numbers on the other side of the door,” she said.
The ministry is supported by more than 20 churches from area associations such as Walker, Sulphur Springs, Birmingham, Limestone, Mud Creek and Pickens.
Lori Abercrombie hopes they and other faith families will continue to be Jesus’ hands and feet long after the Christmas decorations are put away.
“At Christmas, your heart strings are pulled, but we need to make sure we’re sharing God’s love 12 months out of the year.”
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