"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." Was it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts
of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets? Was this really Christmas? In 1993, we decided that we would not buy Christmas presents for each other but would provide presents for a needy child. Through the help of Phil Ferrell, Principal of Coats Elementary School, we adopted a little boy and girl to shop for. We opened no presents on Christmas morning, but were blessed beyond measure knowing the excitement of those two special kids when they saw what “Santa” had brought to their humble little home. We had always shared a passion for children, Jesus Christ, and a desire to serve. Over the next several years, we continued to reach out to children and seniors, sharing the magic of Christmas through our love of Christ. We were blessed beyond measure with the love and support of family and friends that shared our passion and wanted to be part of this special ministry. John 15:12 “ My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” God had truly shown us a new way to love each other. By 1999, we had an army of volunteers and had helped thousands of kids and seniors in Wake, Johnston and Harnett counties. In 2000, we incorporated as a nonprofit organization, “Santa & Friends”. The mission remained the same “to share the magic of Christmas through the love of Christ”. Santa & Friends has visited low income housing communities, schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, special needs kids and seniors. We have taken toys, food, clothes, and Bibles into these areas. God has consistently blessed us with each encounter. Santa & Friends has been actively involved with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program and Child Evangelism Fellowship of NC. Santa & Friends invites you to look at Christmas in a new way this year. Receive the greatest gift ever: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a "Merry Christmas." The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.
