What Do The Kids Do When Santa Goes To Jail?

The celebration of Christmas brings us closer to God -- it's one of those precious times when even a secular society pauses for a moment to think about matters other than the self. For the joy of Christmas rings most loudly when we stoop to help others, as when Jesus Christ stooped to lift up each one of us.

Shekinah volunteers celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by donating funds and working with LaPorte Outreach Ministries to provide food baskets, toys and clothing to families in Laporte who have one or more parents and/or neighbors in jail or prison.

As one volunteer reported: "Sometimes we wonder if we are going to get enough food to help these 20 families. Then, just about that time someone will call or come over with more food. Like just today, we were given 16 big hams from Albertsons in Boulder. Steve Cornelius told their meat man what we were doing, and they were happy to help. Steve's wife Leilanni drove to Boulder to pick them up.

"Then, Fentiman's Freezer Meats called and said if we could come right now, we could have about 100 lb. of hamburger. Stuff like that is so awesome!

"Ron and Pat Mallett pitched in by bringing over a full pickup load of food donated by Resurrection Fellowship, along with four plastic bags full of toys for 17 children. Pat and Julie Hoffman then took $1,200 donated by various businesses, and went on the shopping spree of their lives. We had asked 65-70 kids in Laporte to list those things they most wanted -- and Pat and Julie shopped for the clothes and toys in strict accordance with Saint Nick's instructions.

Pat and three of her granddaughters then joined several other people in a huge wrapping party.

"The big day finally arrived, and over 150 people crowded into the gymnasium at Cache La Poudre Junior High School to sing Christmas carols and to watch the children open presents. Watching these children open presents -- scooters, skate boards, remote-control trucks, dress clothes, etc. -- none of which they could have even dreamed of receiving before the two ministries got involved, left more than a few adults with moist eyes."

"It was a great evening, and God's glory shined brightly."