'TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING

They scurried about in the basement of Hope Lutheran Church last Tuesday, like elves in a workshop, packing food items into 150 bags to give to needy families.
Two days later, on Thursday, Dec. 10, members of the Minneota Area Mission trip and Minneota National Honor Society again joined forces to distribute the "Santa Sacks" in a drive-thru at the Hope Lutheran Church parking lot.
"The kids helped with bringing the groceries into the church, packing the bags and distributing them during the drive-thru," said Terri Myhre, Minneota Area Mission coordinator. "With the COVID restrictions, we kept the work groups small and worked for a shorter time, so that more kids could participate."Approximately 25 students from the two groups (several are in both) volunteered their services.
"It's always heartwarming to see our students in action," Myhre said. "They have the best attitudes, are respectful and always willing to help in any way they can."
All 150 "Santa Sacks" were distributed, including some to the Community Center, and will make the holidays more enjoyable for many families.
The Christmas Angels program, headed by Amber Rodas, also distributed donated toys and gifts to children from needy families on Thursday, Nov. 10.
The "Santa Sacks" included ham, dinner rolls, potatoes, green beans, peaches, juice, fruit snacks, juice boxes, macaroni and cheese and crackers.
All the food came from Brad's Market, enabling the distribution to remain local and aid small businesses during the pandemic period.
"We are grateful to the Hope Lutheran Endowment for sponsoring this event and to Amber Rodas for helping to get the word out about distribution," said Myhre. "It really put us in the Christmas spirit."