Faith Mission spreads Christmas cheer through Dove Tree Project
By Staff
Melissa Dozier-Cason, FCT staff writer
The season for giving is upon once again. In less than a month, families will gather together in harmony to exchange gifts and to enjoy the season together.
However, the Christmas season is not considered a joyous time in every household. Some families find themselves in hardship at Christmastime. Fortunately, these families in our community have an ally during this difficult time, Faith Mission Outreach.
Faith Mission Outreach is not a church; only an extension of what churches provide. Faith Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding community members in need, Matthew Mangino, outreach director, said.
"So many people out there think we are a church but we are not," Mangino said.
The Dove Tree project will be in full force this holiday season. Everyone is encouraged to select a dove from a tree, located at most area banks as well as other participating businesses, Mangino said.
Each dove has one child's gender and age. Gifts can be dropped off at the Faith Mission, or at any participating drop off location. The gifts will be given out at the Mission's Christmas Banquet Dec. 19 and will go to the Mission's Adopt-a-family program, Mangino said.
Russellville Fire Stations one and two will also be drop off locations for toys and donations, Bobby Malone, Russellville Fire Marshall, said.
Last year, Faith Mission helped countless families provide Christmas gifts for their children. The Mission is currently taking applications for this year's Adopt-a-family program, Mangino said.
The Faith Mission received so many applications for the Adopt-a-family in 2005 that some families in need were turned away, Mangino said.
"If area businesses would make sizable monetary donations, we could provide a couple of thousand families with gifts," Mangino said.
Local businesses are encouraged to adopt a family through the Mission instead of monetary donations.
Faith Mission is a recognized non-profit organization. Therefore, all contributions to them are tax deductible, Mangino said.
"We are creating memories for children and families that last a lifetime, and that's worth more than a million dollars," Mangino said.
For more information on the Dove Tree project or any other services the Faith Mission offers, please call 331-GIVE.
