MCH Family Outreach offices celebrated the Christmas season
with families they serve during special parties organized by their office.
Staff enjoyed surprising the children with visits from Santa, gifts under the
tree as well as games and crafts. Below is how a few of our offices celebrated:
Corpus:
“The
Corpus Christi Outreach office hosted their Christmas party for foster families
on Dec. 4 at a local restaurant. Foster families and staff were able to enjoy fellowship
and celebrate over a nice meal. The Corpus Christi office joined forces with
Area Agency on Aging on Dec. 9 to celebrate Christmas with grandparents raising
grandchildren. Some of the attendees were former and current GAPP parents of
MCH. The celebration took place during the regularly scheduled support group
time at a local senior citizen center. Grandparents sang Christmas carols to
senior citizens at the center as well as participated in a game of ‘white
elephant.’ Grandparents enjoy this support group as they can speak with
others who may be struggling with the same issues and learn from each other how
to obtain some support.” – Marisol
Gomez, Corpus Christi Outreach director
Houston:
“The
Houston Outreach office had our annual Christmas Party again this year at Deer
Park United Methodist Church. The church members provided gifts for foster
children as well as biological children of the foster parents. Deer Park UMC
also provided gifts for children in the other MCH programs (GAPP and Family
Solutions). The church provided food and drinks for the party as well as Santa
Claus. MCH staff and foster parents enjoyed entertainment by several MCH
children. We also enjoyed Christmas music and great fellowship with each other.”
- Veronica Whalon-Peters, Houston Outreach
director
Lufkin:
“The outreach
office in Lufkin hosted their Foster Home Christmas Party on Dec. 13. Foster
parents and staffed enjoyed lunch together, and Mrs. Amanda Jeffcoat, foster
parent, said she ‘enjoyed being together with everyone and it felt like a
family gathering.’ The children danced to Christmas music and played hide-and-seek
while the foster parents finished desserts and enjoyed fellowship with each
other. After presents, the children, foster parents, and staff attended The Nutcracker- Mejia Ballet International hosted by the Angelina Arts Alliance. All of the
children were in awe of the amazing performance, and it was a delightful
experience for everyone.” – Amanda
Grimmett, Lufkin Outreach director
San Antonio:
“The San Antonio Outreach office
celebrated their annual Foster Family Christmas Party on Dec. 6 at University
United Methodist Church. The families enjoyed refreshments from Jason’s
Deli and fellowship with each other. The children relished in activities
such as face painting, cookie decorating, a coloring station, and Pin the Nose
on Olaf game. There were opportunities for silly pictures with the
centerpiece props and candy cane crafts. Santa came and joined the
festivities and gave his gifts to the children. Overall, we had a good
turnout of friends old and new. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful
families share in the mission and vision of MCH.” – Jessica Butters, San Antonio Outreach director.
Tyler:
“On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Missions Team of Marvin UMC
hosted the annual Christmas Party for the foster children of the Tyler outreach
office. More than 150 people including
foster children, foster families, MCH staff, and volunteers attended the event.
There were many activities and crafts available for the children to enjoy; from
bounce houses and face painting to making thumbprint snowflake ornaments, there
was never a dull moment. The children also got to sit on Santa’s knee and tell
him what they wanted for Christmas. The highlight of the party was when each
child opened up their gifts that was given to them by the members and volunteers
of the Missions Team. Not only did the Missions Team bless the foster children
this year, they also made a donation to the children in our Family Solutions
program. Words cannot express how truly grateful and moved the Tyler Outreach
staff is by the kindness and generosity that the Missions Team at Marvin UMC
shows toward the children that we serve.”
– LaTasha Hickman, Tyler Outreach
director
Waco:
“On Saturday, Dec. 16 we hosted all of our families who are
impacted by outreach programs in Waco. Foster parents, grandparents, parents,
staff, volunteers and children gathered around the tree. This year we were
blessed by Baylor Electronic Marketing department who helped create a wonderful
celebration. As a team they planned a variety of crafts, prepared delicious
snack foods, had story book time and topped off the day with a visit from
Santa! All of our families were incredibly blessed by the thoughtfulness in the
gifts as well as the time to fellowship. Children and parents alike laughed,
created fun crafts and decorated cookies. Our Christmas party was a beautiful
celebration of community, coming together to anticipate the coming of our
Savior. The Waco Outreach sends our warmest gratitude to Baylor Electronic
Marketing Department and all of our families who helped make this day truly
special! It is our honor and privilege to walk alongside and celebrate life
with you all!” – Brooke Davilla, Waco Outreach
director
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