In the United States alone, 31.9 million children live in low-income families, while 15.5 million of those children are classified as poor. Throughout the months of October, November, and early December, the housing authority in my hometown of Williamsburg, Kentucky collected donations, held a raffle, silent auction, bake sale, and participated in a Christmas Craft Bazaar in order to raise money to give our local low-income children a Christmas to remember.

Upon reaching their goal, the housing authority and volunteers who live in low-income housing, got together to plan a Christmas party. They shopped for toys, planned the meal of pizza and cupcakes, wrapped gifts, and found the perfect Santa to hand out gifts and take photos with the children. On Saturday December 17th, it was time to party! The stockings were ready, pizza was hot, Santa was dressed, and the children were excited.

Upon arrival, each child was given pizza, a drink, and a cupcake. After eating, they were given a stocking and instructed to go table to table where they received candy and fruit from the volunteers who were all too eager to help out. Once their stockings were filled, each children had his or her chance to meet Santa and his elves! They had a photo opportunity and received a gift.

Over two hundred children live in our local low-income housing and enough money was raised to feed each child, provide then with a stocking full of treats, and a gift worth around five dollars a piece. In addition to the Christmas party for children, the elderly living in housing will be receiving baskets full of Christmas goodies, food, and other things.

Thanks to Williamsburg Housing Authority Residence Council and volunteers, children who may not receive much for Christmas, got a little something extra, and a smile brought to their faces.

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38