Jose 'JJ' Balderas
Local organizations announced several holiday giving programs to help families and seniors this Christmas season during the Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, Oct. 22.
Kate Williams, grant and donor relations coordinator for Parker County Center of Hope, told attendees the organization is preparing for its Christmas event at the Springtown Area Senior Center, 1070 N. Main St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16.
Williams said Center of Hope has traditionally provided families with ingredients for a Christmas meal, along with a voucher for a ham, and has primarily distributed them through drive-thru events. But the organization is looking for more personal ways to engage with community members.
“Our hope is that they’re going to come and let us love on them,” she said. “People expressed that this is their only Christmas experience, and so we decided to revamp things and make Christmas more of an interactive experience for our participants.”
Center of Hope introduced “Joy Stations” that allow local businesses, churches and individuals to set up decorated tables and provide items such as socks, gloves, hygiene products, treats and other gifts to families attending the event.
“Last year, we were right outside of our Springtown location, and we served almost 600 people,” Williams said. “We’re anticipating more.”
The event will include a meal, live music and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
Those interested in sponsoring a Joy Station can email [email protected] or call 817-360-8173.
Andy Browning, owner of Browning Funeral Home, announced the return of the Toys for Hope toy drive, continuing the funeral home’s partnership with Center of Hope for a second year.
Browning said toys collected during last year’s drive went to 1,200 children.
The drive will run Nov. 1 through Dec. 9, with the Springtown Center of Hope serving as one of the donation locations.
Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Sharon Johnson said the chamber is preparing for its annual Senior Angel Tree.
The tree is expected to go up by Nov. 6, and angels can be adopted beginning Nov. 9 at the Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce, 122 S. Main St., giving community members an opportunity to adopt a senior in need for Christmas.
Johnson said the chamber assisted about 50 seniors last year and anticipates more this coming year.
“Some seniors will not have a Christmas — they would be so appreciative,” Johnson said.
