Christmas in July is Coming!

In 2001, a group of friends felt the weight of some heavy challenges around homelessness, housing, and food insecurity which led them to initiate the Christmas in July campaign. The friends created the campaign mainly to inform others about Serve City's needs. The campaign directly benefits Serve City's residents, tenants, and food pantry. Today, though only a few ladies from the original group lead the effort, the legacy and impact continue. And it's a sizable impact for such a small committee of committed ladies! The remaining core group collects an average of $1000 per month, which equates to well over $12,000 annually. Those founding committee members would likely smile to know their campaign still addresses challenges and blesses those they set out to serve.

Linda Hoover (deceased) and her husband, Brad, began Christmas in July. The Hoovers, Ellie Dinger, and Pat Gay, long-time board members, collaborated with other couples and Serve City to develop a plan to help. Initially, the plan involved an in-person Silent Auction event, which included a delicious meal, fun and inspiring music, and opportunities to bid on gift baskets, but more importantly, to inform others about Serve City and their needs. Brad led it, and he provided all the entertainment for the sit-down dinner. Karen Schumm (recently deceased) and her husband Al participated, and he prepared the meal. The in-person event had a long and successful run, first at Redeemer Church and then at First Baptist Church. During COVID, however, it switched to a virtual mail-out format, which minimizes overhead and maximizes the financial funding, help, and impact.

One of the remaining original participants, Pat Gay’s background working with children, especially those without fathers in the home and no place to live, caused her to feel a spiritual burden. Even though she couldn't do a lot, she could do Christmas in July. Another committee member who began participating a few years after the event kicked off, Wilma Zeigler, considered the idea of people with nowhere to go. She couldn't imagine that they had nobody and wondered what it would be like not to know where they would sleep or eat. Understanding that "there but by the grace of God go I" she got involved in Christmas in July. Looking back, both women recognized their abundant blessings.

Then and now, as much as Christmas in July addresses the challenges that compelled them to help, doing so has transformed them. Pat says it has made her more faithful and strengthened her resolve to do work for those in need. Likewise, Wilma shares that at her age, God blesses her to be up and able to do the Christmas in July work. Ellie Dinger, another board member says that Serve City and their mission has touched her heart. She wants everyone who comes to Serve City to feel value, dignity, and the love of God.

At times, giving requires sacrifice, and while some with wealth do not give, the Bible teaches that those who do will receive God's blessings. It's about trust and His provision. Whenever these ladies wonder how they will do it, God always comes through. "It's mostly friends [7], and it's not much, but Serve City goes on it."

Which goes to show that little is much when God's in it.

Today’s committee includes Marilyn Bowling, Karen Buchanan (Chair), Ellie Dinger, Nancy Follmer, Pat Gay, Martha Lombard, and Wilma Zeigler.

Christmas in July helps fund Serve City and makes a considerable impact in the following areas:

Shelter - 16,000 Bed Nights

Housing - 108 Individuals Housed

Food Insecurity - 768 Food Pantry Visits

Thank you for stepping into the gaps with Serve City to transform lives – those of our residents, tenants, and neighbors experiencing food insecurity, as well as your own by giving to Christmas in July.

Serving Him at Serve City,

Dr. Tammi Ector

To make a general, unrestricted donation to support Serve City, please go to:

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E353218&id=1