Share Your Christmas is a remarkable initiative that brings hope and joy to families and care center residents during the holiday season. Through the stories of these individuals, we see the true spirit of giving and the impact it can have.

Spreading Holiday Cheer One Gift at a Time

No. 20: The Journey of a Young Mom

This young mom of three faced unexpected challenges when complications during pregnancy led to bed rest and the need to quit her full-time job. She now enrolls full-time at Ozarks Technical Community College and applies for QUEST grants to manage her expenses while caring for her four and five-year-old children and newborn. The case manager describes her as "very composed, organized, and knows what she needs to do." The four-year-old loves princess-themed gifts like a princess tent with star lights, while the five-year-old desires a remote-controlled car and a Nerf target set. The family also needs winter clothes and diapers for the baby. Despite the hardships, she is determined to get her degree.

No. 21: The Impact of a Car Accident

This single mom, a longtime employee of a local manufacturing company, faced a series of extra expenses when her car was hit from the side. Although no one was injured, the accident disrupted their holiday plans. Seeking help from Share Your Christmas wasn't easy for her as she is the sole provider for her four children. All the children, aged six to 18, have different interests such as reading, playing computer games, collecting Pokemon cards, and enjoying sports. They would also appreciate new shirts and jeans for school. Mother noted the increase in the price of hygiene products and requested shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and bar soap.

No. 22: The Resilience of an 97-Year-Old

Carmel, at 97 years old, may tire easily but her mind remains sharp. She enjoys sharing stories about her farm upbringing, climbing trees to pick apples, and attending church socials. Solving word search puzzles and attending care center activities keep her mind active. She desires a matching outfit consisting of pants, shirt, and cardigan sweater for Christmas, along with cookies, Pepsi, and candy without nuts.

No. 23: The Power of Christmas Eve Hymns

Bonnie grew up in a small town where the church was an important part of her life. She has fond memories of Christmas Eve services and now works as a nursery attendant at the same church. She loves music and is especially fond of singing familiar hymns. Her clothing needs include pajamas, nightgown, and socks. She requested snack cakes, Sprite, and fun size candy bars as her special treats.More: How Share Your Christmas aims to provide a happy holiday for Ozarks familiesAbout Share Your Christmas, how to donateFor information about how to help the Share Your Christmas families or care center residents call 417-866-8008 or email share@ccozarks.org.Gifts should be delivered to Dock #1 or Dock #2 on the west side of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks building, 3055 E. Division St. If the dock doors are closed, please ring the doorbell at the top of the stairs. Hours for delivery are 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. until noon on Friday.Monetary donations are welcome as they allow Share Your Christmas to purchase gifts that may be needed to complete a child’s toy list or fill a box for a care center resident.If you would like to send a monetary gift to assist a particular family or care center resident, please note that in the memo line of your check. You may also write “As Needed” in the memo line and your gift will be used for the Share Your Christmas program. Please send monetary donations to: Share Your Christmas, P.O. Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808.Gifts are due by Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. Monetary donations are welcome at any time.