Christian Village residents wrap gifts for children and seniors

[December 21, 2015]   LINCOLN - The Independent Living residents of The Christian Village gathered in force on the afternoons of Sunday, December 6th, and Sunday, December 13 to wrap 180 gifts for both youth and seniors in the community. Gifts were given to the Center for Youth and Family Solutions and the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois.

On their first wrapping session, 79 gifts were wrapped to be distributed to foster children living in Logan and Mason County.

The “villagers” gathered together again the next Sunday to wrap 101 gifts for those in the community receiving home delivery of meals through Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois.

“I came to wrap presents, for fellowship, and the opportunity to help others,” said Earl Belcher, one of the newer additions to The Christian Village Community.

Everyone had a good time, and the group felt like they were spreading a little holiday cheer to some pretty special individuals. Over the two events, 20 residents lent a hand in completing this special service project.

Pictured above clockwise from bottom left are: Millie Cotton, Sharon Wagner-Belcher, Earl Belcher, Shirley Stuart, Roger Stuart, Harry Thompson, Carolyn Steele, Katherine McArthy, Bonnie Welch and Merida Drake

Pictured above standing left to right: Harry Thompson, Sharon Wagner-Belcher, Shirley Stuart, Roger Stuart, Earl Belcher, Millie Cotton, Marilyn Alderman, Dolly Tesnow, and Mary Anne Harmon. Seated left to right: Carolyn Steele, Katherine McArthy, Bonnie Welch, Dorothy Harrison and Merida Drake. Not pictured are Carla Zawadzki, Joyce Sweeney, Totty Hoffert, Bill and Jeri Dennis and John Organtini.

[Chaplain Ryan Edgecombe, The Christian Village]