Khamyah Phiilips hands out candy at Six-Fourteen Church’s Christmas Giveaway. Her mom, Carlene, stands behind her.
Six-Fourteen Church’s Christmas giveaway was supposed to begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 5, but vehicles started lining up at 9 a.m.
The Masury church, which usually goes all out with a Christmas program that includes craft programs, treat station and visits with Santa, opted for a trunk-or-treat-style event in this COVID-19 year. Vehicles drove past congregation members who had decorated their vehicles with Christmas and winter themes, and visitors received chips, cookies, candy, blankets, craft supplies, Christmas cards and religious books. Santa stood at the end of the line, handing out candy canes and offering a hearty “ho ho ho,” when there were kids in the vehicle.
“I thought it was wonderful,” said Malitsa Santiago, Boardman, who had a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old with her. “It’s nice for the kids that they did this.”
“We wanted to do something for the kids,” said church Pastor Jared Woodward. “If we can bring a little light, that’s what it’s all about.”
Carlene Phillips of Masury was one of the congregation members who embraced the idea.
“I think we’re just trying to help and bring some kindness and remind people of the reason for the season,” she said.
Phillips’ children, Demetrius, 4, and Khamyah, 12, helped her hand out candy and chips.
“It’s really fun,” Khamyah said.
The church wants to reach out into the community, but Phillips said she hoped her kids got something out of the experience, too.
“I hope they see the importance of giving and just reaching out and helping in any way.”
A virtual version of A Six-Fourteen Christmas can be watched at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 and at 9 and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 20 on Facebook Live.
