Christmas Joy

This has been a difficult year of cutting back, but there was no shortage of joy this Christmas at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County.

First, we decked the halls to make the Mission a cheerful place for the entire month of December. In fact, we had over 20 Christmas trees throughout the campus! The week before Christmas we celebrated with a Winter Wonderland Week where staff and residents participated in special events daily to spread holiday cheer. Also, thanks to some very special friends at PMG Digital Agency, our residents were treated a socially distanced hot chocolate and apple cider event featuring the Bubble Bus. They even brought gifts for each child!

As always we turned our boardroom into a toy store where resident parents were able to “shop” and pick out multiple gifts for each of their children. Sadly, we weren’t able to have the volunteers we rely on to wrap gifts. But our dedicated staff stepped up and made it possible for each child to have beautifully wrapped gifts with big bows to open on Christmas Eve morning.

We also remembered our adult residents in a special way. You made it possible to give out gift bags to the men and women in our program and on the street. These bags contained winter clothing, essentials and other small gifts. What an outpouring of love and generosity!

Most importantly, we gathered (with distance) throughout campus for a special Christmas service with Father Andy Powell. After all, that is the reason for the season! Afterwards everyone was treated to a delicious holiday meal – with all the fixings!

It is only with the support of you, our friends, that we were able to provide a magical Christmas in a year that has been difficult for many. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We hope your holiday season was filled with as much joy as ours