Families who participate in the family coaching program at the Buckner Family Hope Center in Lubbock were able to visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Clause and the Grinch during the Christmas market. 

Ten parents and 16 children were able to participate in a day of fun and Christmas festivities that included tasty treats, crafts and gifts. 

The Christmas market helps mitigate the holiday stress for a family. While the Family Hope Center collaborated with various agencies in the Lubbock community to help meet some Christmas wishes for each child, the market focuses on providing family household items, such as cleaning supplies, clothes, shoes and bedding, to offer parents relief so they can focus on their children during the holidays. 

"I was so overwhelmed by the emotion for everything done for us at the market," one parent said. "My children and I left with overjoyed and thankful hearts." 

Angelina Mojica, director of the Family Hope Center in Lubbock, admitted she loved seeing the Grinch interact with the children during this event, but her favorite part is seeing the families interacting with the volunteers. 

"We had many volunteers ask to come and help," she said. "The experience is so overwhelming to our families and volunteers get to experience the gratitude the families have during this time and truly see the impact the Family Hope Center has on the community." 

See all the ways the Buckner Family Hope Center strengthens families.