Church Helps Kids

There are countless acts of kindness all across Green Country as we get closer to Christmas. One Tulsa church is helping the hungry and filling wish lists for children in need. News on 6 anchor Craig

Friday, December 8th 2006, 7:51 pm

By: News On 6

There are countless acts of kindness all across Green Country as we get closer to Christmas. One Tulsa church is helping the hungry and filling wish lists for children in need. News on 6 anchor Craig Day has more on their â€œChristmas Connection.â€

"I don't know where Iâ€™m going here. If that makes a difference," said Brian Watson with Open Bible Fellowship.

Like many folks, "looks like there are toys ahead,â€ Brian Watson is doing a lot of Christmas shopping.

But for Watson, "That matches with the Nerf games they wanted. I think we'll try that," time is running out. "I think we'll try that."

The clock is ticking toward a deadline to help children in need.

"There's a little girl who is two years old and she's needing a coat and pajamas," said Watson. "I'm also looking for a talking Woody doll and I think I've found one right here."

Watson is doing some last minute shopping one day before his church's big toy giveaway. Open Bible Fellowship partnered with Marshall and McClure middle schools to help kids who may not have much for Christmas.

"We get a lot of thank you's from family members that are so genuine. And you can see the kids are excited," Watson said.

The church gives out gifts and groceries to more than 200 children each year.

"This is one way that we can reach out to them and show them that we care about them and show Christian love to our neighbors," Event Coordinator Darren Stolz said.

Church members actually work on the project for five months, planning starts in August, kids sign up in September and October, shopping begins in November around Thanksgiving, and now that it is December, it's crunch time for filling wish lists.

"I think it just softens you up and lets you know that there is just more out there than just ourselves," Watson said.

So as he checks off his list, Watson also counts his blessings. He still has plenty of shopping to do.

"I have no idea where this thing is in this store. It's probably on the back wall."

The Open Bible Fellowship will give away the groceries and gifts Saturday to children and families who are signed up for the program.
They're also providing free health screenings, and haircuts to families.