No Grinch Here, As Folks Deliver Christmas Cheer
By Tabitha Ervin
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot
Despite the times, giving is in the air! Various organizations in town adopted families all over the community to support them this Christmas.
The 24th Annual MLK Santa on Tour event transitioned to a drive-thru event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That didn’t stop the organizers from having an overwhelming response from the community. The event, held on Dec. 12, was led by Larry and Erma Gist, representatives of the MLK Club and held at the Urban League.
The event was a huge success and a great way to give back to the community as so many people need food or gifts, said Sheryl Edwards of the MLK Club.
Through the event, the club was able to give away Christmas gifts along with coats, hats, gloves, food boxes and hot meals from various community partners who include the Human Agriculture Cooperative, Joshua’s Temple, Joshua’s Hand, Big Mommas Kitchen along with donations from Chase bank, Sweetwater Sound and many others.
This year, more organizations than previous years partnered to pull off the entire event for the community. The Fort Wayne Police Department said about 540 cars came through.
Overall, the MLK organization was very pleased with the turnout, and that kids got to see Santa and get their Christmas gifts!
Edwards said the best part was seeing the smiles on kids’ faces as they received their gifts.
“We’ve been doing it 24 years and it’s a good way to give back and provide for families that may not be able to do much,” she added. Due to COVID, we believe there was a higher need for many families (this year) and we enjoyed collaborating.”
In the current season, it is a great blessing to be able to give and we, at Fort Wayne Ink Spot, pray that all have a blessed and happy holiday season.
No Grinch Here, As Folks Deliver Christmas Cheer
Santa Claus (Mike Jones) talked with children.
Delta Sigma Theta
The Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. blessed the lives of two families through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
YMCA and Blessed Givers
The Jackson Lehman YMCA extended holiday cheer along with the Blessed Givers to two families in our community as well!
Jack & Jill
The Greater Northeast Indiana Chapter of Jack and Jill partnered with Fort Wayne’s Boys and Girls Club to bless a family for Christmas this year.
