We at Second Unitarian are fortunate to have a loving community of friends with whom to celebrate our joys, ease the pain of our sorrows, and join in the fellowship that surrounds the winter holiday season. As we know, many people do not have these same privileges or the means to celebrate the season with their families.

In cooperation with Heartland Family Services, the Lifespan Religious Growth and Learning Committee is coordinating the sponsorship of two local families. One family includes a single parent with five children: an 11-year old girl, 14-year old twins (boy and girl), a 16-year old girl, and an 18-year-old boy. The other family has a single parent with one biological daughter plus seven foster daughters ranging in age from 2 to 13 (one of Mom’s girlfriends moved in to help with the kids, so we are giving her a little something, too). Second Unitarian members and friends can provide the gifts, cash, or gift cards to help make the season a little brighter for these needy families.

Participate in this wonderful event. In the church foyer is an area where you may take one or more gift tags and purchase the wished-for items. Donations of cash and gift cards are also welcome and can be dropped in the box in this same area. One of our families buys their groceries at Baker’s and the other buys groceries at Hy-Vee, so gift cards to buy food for holiday meals are always welcome.

Please wrap your gift donations with the gift tag attached to identify the contents. Bring them to the church by Sunday, December 8. This will allow the families to do additional shopping before the holiday. If you want to take a larger role in this joyous and meaningful experience, contact Becky Scherbring or Katie Tessin to volunteer to shop, sort, wrap, and/or deliver the gifts.