St. William of Montevergine Catholic Church members said recently they believe 2020 was certainly "a time to love and a time to share." So despite year-long cancellations from the pandemic, members set out recently to continue their seasonal "giving tree."

Despite the pandemic, member Luci Taylor put out her annual plea for new stuffed animals, which were being requested again for use by local law enforcement. The donations were to be put under the Christmas tree in the foyer; she says the mission, which involved both English and Hispanic communities, was once again a success.

For 'the least of these,' Taylor said this ministry is really something special. "These stuffed animals are used to bring comfort to a child when they need comfort during a crisis. Some are domestic violence, child abuse, drugs and alcohol by adults . . . removal from an undesirable home situation."

Being collected from under the sparkling tree were 10 large, 30 gallon recycling drawstring bags filled with new stuffed animals. Each stuffed toy was placed in individual sealable plastic bags.

"The officers place some in their trunks and when they are in a situation that involves a child than they will bring comfort to it by placing a stuffed animal in their arms to cuddle," said Taylor. "Because we have an English congregation and Spanish congregation, this request was made available to both."

Church pastor is Father Louis Rojas and Taylor explained how he is very supportive of this annual ministry. A special blessing is conducted with law enforcement officials at the end of the toy drive.

"For many years, before Fr. Louis came to minister to our church, they had already had a ministry which usually a tree was set up in the foyer of our church," said Taylor. "A small note and angel ornament was set up with what was asked from places in our community servicing our young children who may have not had a Christmas.

So, following discussion with Fr. Louis last year, Taylor said she looked to local law enforcement for input. The 2019 collection benefitting Shelbyville Police Department and Bedford County Sheriff's Department.

Bedford County Sheriff's Department, she said, had a continued need for the toys again this year. So Taylor coordinated the "giving tree" with Sheriff Austin Swing.

"We see the stuffed toys placed under the trees and the delight in the adults and children's eyes of giving. I feel . . . this is so important for both of our diverse congregation on the importance of law enforcement. I feel we have a high respect for our law enforcement and want to show them this by what we do. We will continue to do this ministry because Christmas is a time of giving and not only receiving."