Region 8 church gift students through program

BATESVILLE, AR (KAIT) -Members of a church joined forces with the local school to make the Christmas season brighter for children in need.

First United Methodist Church in Batesville partnered with counselors in the Batesville School District to gift selected students through, “The Giving Tree” program.

Members of FUMC realized a need after the local United Way chapter changed their age policy on gift distribution.

Their United Way chapter will now to deliver gifts to children age ten and under.

Members of the church decided to provide gifts to parents who needed assistance getting their children Christmas presents.

The efforts of their fundraiser focused on kids ages eleven to eighteen.

Member of First United Methodist Church in Batesville Laura Brissey said this program has had a big impact on the church and community.

“The parents are very appreciative," Brissey said. “Their eyes light up when we hand them baskets full of gifts for their kids.

Brissey said there’s a real need in the area they’re working to meet.

"The Batesville School District as a whole is 54% low income households,” Brissey said. “There is a huge need there.”

The youth group and volunteers at FUMC spent the last several weeks gathering and wrapping presents for over one-hundred children.

The gift selection process is based on the individual child’s need.

Parents will come by the church on Dec. 15 to pick up the gifts.

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