On Sunday, December 14, eighteen representatives from area churches and organizations joined forces to pack over 40 “shoe box” Christmas gifts for the W-O-W Kids’ Meals Program. This is the third year for this gesture which will bring gifts to children in the Owen-Withee School District who might not otherwise have much under the tree for the holiday. There were about twice as many volunteers this year when compared with the helpers from last year.
Following the Owen UCC Sunday worship service there was a light potluck lunch in the church fellowship hall, at which time representatives from the other churches and organizations joined us. After lunch, boxes were packed, wrapped and labeled for each of the students participating in the W-O-W program. Items such as school supplies, toys, stuffed animals, hygiene items and snack type things were placed in the shoe boxes or boxes of a similar size. Boxes were packed with the following age ranges in mind – for either a boy or girl: ages 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Every student received their own Christmas card, and a note explaining the groups that participated in this project. Recipients will be identified by school staff, and gifts will be distributed on the last day of school before the Christmas/New Years break.
Volunteers included: Scott and Deb Marrier, Liz Archibald and Judy Hosler from St. Katherine’s; Chuck and Wanda Peterson from Emmanuel Lutheran; Sandy Deacon from the O-W Lions Club; and Karen and Tim Swiggum, Abbie Anderson, Lois Hodnett, Gayle Jones, Laurie Shilts, Betty Prepeluh, Jenna Parks, Laura Becker, Dottie Bjornstad, and Noel Barteck from the Owen UCC.
Those participating donated many of the items which filled the gift boxes. Other donations were made by the O-W Lions Club, and Withee Methodist and Holy Rosary members. Leftover items have been taken to school for staff to distribute to students as the need arises. Our hope is to make this an annual event, and we would hope that representatives from all area churches would join in this immensely important and fun community project.