Tis’ The Season To Give

The Christmas spirit was filled the air in Greensboro on Friday, December 21. Thousands of gifts were given to children and a lucky few received brand new bicycles at the Tenth Annual Dream Center of North Carolina Holiday Distribution. This event brought smiles to the faces of many families. The
goal of this Local non-profit organization is “to implement programs that will meet the needs, heal the hurt and solve the problems” that people face daily.” The organization held the event at The New Jerusalem Cathedral on Sharpe Road.

“It’s important for every individual to give back to the community,” expressed Dr. Kevin Williams, pastor of New Jerusalem. “One thing that all of us have a passion for is helping children and seeing smiles on their faces. So, regardless of who you are or where you come from, your child needs to be served in your community.”

New Jerusalem and the NC Dream Center weren’t the only entities involved in Friday’s event. Toys for Tots, Wrights Care Services and others throughout the Triad also donated to the gifts presented.

Registration for the annual event began in October and ended a week prior to the occasion. The program received the names of families through churches, schools and social service offices. By registering for the program, this process enabled the participating organizations to collect gifts that were age specific for each child.Some of the presents given included Play-Doh color packs, mobile air hockey tables and Fisher-Price Scoop and Whirl Poppers.

Guilford County fifth grader, Jaquaa Jones, was one of hundreds of children to receive a gift this year. He was so happy to receive a new bicycle that he rode it to the car.

The families in attendance at the Christmas toy giveaway were serenaded throughout the program by the New Jerusalem adult and childrens’ choirs and the pastor showered those in attendance with candy and teddy bears.

Daniel Wright, COO of Wrights Care Services, said, “I love to see the parents’ and children’s excitement knowing they will have gifts.”

“I wish someone did something like this when I was growing up,” said Melvina Moye, Jones’ mother and a New Jerusalem member. “Next year I’m going to give instead of getting. I’ve always been a giver and I look forward to doing it as soon as I can.”