Special to Iredell Free News

First Baptist Church of Statesville opened its doors for its “White Christmas” program.

White Christmas is a time where families identified through Salvation Army Angel Tree and the First Baptist Church clothing closet are given food, toys, and the opportunity to shop in the church closet.

The church assisted 31 families and 78 children on a wonderful Saturday morning. This is a special event for the entire church. Church members shop provide gifts, package stocking stuffers, and write cards for their White Christmas families. Each family checks in with a team and gifts are loaded in their car. Each participant is invited to the clothes closet to select items they may need for the winter. 

This day would not be possible without the leadership of several people. Sherry Ashley and Janet McLain coordinate the families, shoppers, and day of the event. Jody Parlier, Clarence Poole and Neill Pardue coordinate the food boxes each participant receives. Brenda Falter and the clothes closet team work wonders throughout the year making it a resource to the community. Special thanks is also given to congregation members who donated, prayed, shopped, and served on December 4. Thank you to Zach Gordan for the Spanish translation during the event as well. No effort goes to waste when we are serving the community we love.