LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Volunteers have been busy preparing to spread holiday cheer to more than 300 families in need.
“This is New Day Ministries’ annual Christmas Gift Extravaganza,” said Tod Moore, founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization. “On Saturday, all of these bikes — and more than 300 turkeys and boxes of food will be given away.”
More Local News
The Christmas Gift Extravaganza will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon until 4 p.m. at the First Gethsemane Center located at 1221 First Gethsemane Avenue in the Algonquin neighborhood.
Although it’s not yet Christmas Eve, Moore and his team are already gearing up to ensure many local children and adults will have a memorable holiday.
“We’re getting prepared for bringing in 352 turkeys, 300 bicycles, a lot of toys, a lot of gifts,” Moore said.
The Christmas Gift Extravaganza provides toys, food boxes, and bicycles to families in need, especially in Louisville’s west end, where food access is limited.
“We’re in a food desert here in the west end of Louisville,” Moore explained. “And they need food for Christmas time.”
The bikes were purchased last week, and on Friday morning, more than 350 turkeys and hams were delivered for the food boxes.
The giveaway is presented by Southeast Christian Church’s s Prospect Campus and First Gethsemane Church.
Kevin Bryan, a volunteer at the event, shared his excitement about helping out.
“Yes, I do go to Southeast. He’s (Moore) in my Bible class,” Bryan said with a laugh. “Elves are also very small, and Santa was big. Tod’s big, and yeah, so in a way, we’re all his elves, that’s true.”
Moore acknowledged the hardworking volunteers, saying, “They’re our Santa elves to be a blessing to God’s people.”
John Wells, another volunteer, helped deliver the turkeys and stayed to ensure everything was ready for the big event.
“Just trying to help out,” Well said. “You know, in the spirit of Christmas, there are a lot of bikes coming in here. Not a whole lot of people here to help. So just joining in.”
The event is open to everyone.
“Anybody can come. Everybody can come. Come, one come, all,” Moore said.
While the bikes may be the most visible gifts, Moore emphasized that the true gift is one that’s not seen.
“It’s about giving hope. It’s about giving love.”
Related Stories:
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.