Spending Christmas with loved ones is a special time to rest, recharge and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But for some, Christmas can bring feelings of overwhelm and stress. For families in Buckner programs across Texas, events were hosted to help offer them a peaceful time to shop for gifts for their children as well as attend parties full of fellowship and fun.
We are grateful to the many of friends of Buckner that make Christmastime special for children and parents working hard to overcome adversity and transform their families.
Houston
A fun time was had by all this Christmas at the Buckner Family Hope Center® at Reed Road. The Grinch attended the annual event to bring joy and laughter to families! This party was made possible by many volunteers and donors, including Epiphany Lutheran Church, Halliburton and Legacy Kings.
At the Family Hope Center at Aldine, 275 people were served at the annual Christmas party. Families enjoyed a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Parents also had the opportunity to shop for toys generously donated by Halliburton, Cru Houston and International Paint.
Dallas
The Family Hope Center at Bachman Lake hosted a Christmas market serving 95 families who have participated in family coaching as well as core curriculum classes throughout the fall semester. Park Cities Baptist Church en Español, Accident and Injury and other volunteers helped families shop, enjoy food and spend time in fellowship.
"In the midst of Christmas, as well as future seasons, we pray the Family Hope Center in Bachman Lake is a source of relief for families eager to grow, a light pointing them toward Jesus and a physically open door for hope," shared Lindsay Miller, Buckner director of administration and operations for Dallas-Fort Worth.
The Family Hope Center at West Dallas helped 43 adults shop for their children for the holiday. While they shopped, 77 children were able to play games, watch movies and write letters to Santa. Volunteers helped from beginning to end: Schwab and Cadent teams supported with set-up while LakePoint en Español and Community Church hosted indoor games during the event as well as shared the Christmas story.
In addition to the Christmas market, the West Dallas location organized a community event to provide gifts for vulnerable families in need this season. Various organizations, schools and the Dallas West Police Department provided the families who needed support.
Amarillo
Children and families in Buckner Family Pathways® and Buckner Foster Care and Adoption attended the annual Buckner Amarillo Christmas Party where they made ornaments and candy canes, played games and even wrote letters to Santa.
Longview
In true holiday cheer, Applied Consultants employees delivered more than $30,000 worth of new toys for the Buckner Longview Christmas Market. This is the sixth year Applied Consultants donated toys for Buckner families.
Nearly 200 local families who participate Buckner programs like Family Pathways and foster care and adoption had the opportunity to shop the toys for their Christmas.
Lufkin
Picture a procession of motorcycles and cars delivering Christmas toys - imagine the fun for a child to watch the excitement roll through their town. In December, the 14th annual Buckner Toy Run began at Brother's Keeper Church and ended at the Buckner Children and Family Services offices in Lufkin. Children and families gathered to enjoy a holiday meal and enjoy Christmas gifts.
The Family Pathways Christmas party was a great opportunity for the moms to come together for games, fellowship and rest after a busy semester.
Midland
The fourth annual Buckner Midland Holiday Wish Drive-by was a huge success. Thanks to donors and volunteers, Buckner families in Midland were blessed for the Christmas season with toys and more.
The Family Hope Center hosted a Winter Wonderland event where Santa and Grinch stopped by, children enjoyed crafts like building a Nativity scene as well as eating pizza.
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