Church continues tradition of giving at Christmas

First United Methodist Church of Grapevine has shown dedication to the children and families of Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) for many years. Starting in the late 1980s, the church has donated bicycles to every child that wants one at Christmas time.

This year, FUMC - Grapevine donated 122 bicycles and helmets along with repair kits for the children of MCH. The bikes will go to residents on the Waco campus and Boys Ranch, young adults served through the Transition Services program, and children served through MCH Family Outreach in Dallas.

The giving process begins each October when the church corresponds with MCH to find out how many children are hoping for bicycles this year. FUMC - Grapevine then negotiates prices with local sports stores and makes the purchase. Then on a Friday in December a few weeks before MCH Christmas celebrations, church members put the bicycles together and load them onto a truck. Several members drive the truck down to Waco to deliver the bicycles in person. Church member Ted Vaughan coordinated the efforts for the church this year.

“We are so thankful for FUMC – Grapevine and their commitment to giving the children in our care the experience of receiving a brand new bicycle for Christmas,” said Allison Crawford, director of benefactor relations at MCH. “This tradition has been blessing our kids for over 30 years and we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”