The congregation of St. Stephens Episcopal church shared the power of “Christmas love” by giving gifts and food to 36 Wimberley-area families through their Santa Sunday program. Ninety six children will awake on Christmas morning to the fixings for an abundant meal and presents selected especially for them.
“We reached out to a variety of community organizations and other connections for names of families and their children who expected to receive very little, if anything, this year,” said Sharon Krebs, who along with Lexi Jones, Annita McNabb and Barbara Rogers, formed the committee to organize the Santa Sunday project. Reverend Tim Swan provided the leadership to rally the congregation.
St. Stephen’s members received individual assignments for purchasing items on a “Santa list” created by each of the 96 children. The gifts not only included practical items such as warm winter clothing but specific items that a child “wished” they could receive for Christmas.
Younger children wished for toys, games and bicycles. Requests from some of the older children included specific items of clothing, games or sports equipment. One child wished for vintage music and the associated machines that played them, such as a ‘60s-era cassette player and turntable. About one hundred dollars were spent on each child.
In addition to gifts for the children, each family received a turkey and smoked hams along with all the makings for traditional holiday meals.
On December 15, families were invited to drive through the St. Stephen’s campus where they were greeted by parish members who brought the gift bags and boxes of food to their car. Special care was observed to respect the privacy of the recipients.
The Santa Sunday program began in 1998. The Reverend Kevin L. J. Schubert reminded his congregants this year that their actions demonstrate how “God always loves and provides for us. And through our efforts at St. Stephen’s, those children and their families will awaken on Christmas morning with presents and an abundant feast.”
Holiday events continue at St. Stephen’s with Christmas eve services on December 24 with two services. A 5 p.m. service features a children’s pageant and holy eucharist in the main sanctuary. All children in attendance are encouraged to participate in the production. Children may pick up their costumes by arriving at 4:45 p.m. At 7 p.m., the holy eucharist will take place in the chapel followed by choral musical performances. For information, visit ststeve.org.
