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Community gives back at Christmas

Many had food, gifts, kind words

By DAWN HANKINS - dhankins@t-g.com
Posted 12/31/21

Feel proud, Bedford County, you’ve earned it. This Christmas, lots of groups, schools and churches “gave back” to others. I will mention some in a few.  

But first, I …

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Community gives back at Christmas

Many had food, gifts, kind words

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Feel proud, Bedford County, you’ve earned it. This Christmas, lots of groups, schools and churches “gave back” to others. I will mention some in a few.  

But first, I would like to emphasize how important it is that we “give back” all year long. Many do, others put the thought of helping “the least of these” away until next year.  

There are so many groups needing a hand, whether that be in the way of volunteerism or just a few dollars a month. It’s amazing what God can do with our small offerings.  

I’ve always heard that when you give something away, to make it truly genuine, you give someone something that means something to you.  

That really means, I believe, it should come from the heart.  

So if someone compliments a favorite watch or necklace, guess what? Let your giving be earnest.  

Of course the best way to model “giving” is through scripture.”  

The Widow’s Offering (Luke 12:41-44) Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”  

Some schools gave generously to various causes during Christmas as well.  

Cascade Elementary students brought in supplies for the local animal shelters instead of bringing gifts for fellow classmates. That’s real dedication on the part of a first grader. Thank you!!  

Community Elementary students embarked on a new venture by sponsoring a “holiday store.” It was just a small way of giving back to students in need. I understand students from The Webb School in Bell Buckle visited with East Side students.  

The Webb students reportedly raise money all year to “give back” to elementary students with Santa and the works! These students even wore reindeer antlers during a program. What a cool group!  

Eakin students were also treated to a holiday house, thanks to generous donations! I know there were more. Feel free to send pictures to the T-G.  

During the Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen drive-by Christmas celebration last week, volunteers handed out over 100 boxes laden with non-perishable foods and toiletries, along with a canned ham for each family.  

Christmas stockings and goodie bags were made by a Sunday school class to be given to the children. Everyone who wanted was invited to “shop for free” from tables that were filled with various items from toys to home goods to clothing and blankets.  

Flyers were handed out by the Johnson family inviting anyone wishing to have Christmas dinner on the 25. A story about the Johnsons appeared in the Dec. 24 Life and Leisure section. What a great family to feed others on Christmas Day. 

 One SCSK volunteer said recently, “I’m so grateful to live in a caring community that reaches out with human love to its less fortunate.” SCSK resumed its regular schedule of meals last Tuesday. Saturday breakfasts are also served at 9:00 a.m.  

Both meals continue to be served as drive-by from the parking lot of the old Save-a-Lot. Yes, Bedford County, you have much in which to be proud.  

Future generations are learning from serving adults how to love their neighbor. (See Mark 12:31.)