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2022 14th Annual Christmas Wonderland
FSBH Christmas Wonderland Blessings!
Our 13th Annual Christmas Wonderland, December 11, 2021, happened on a very chilly and windy day at the Wentzville United Methodist Church. This year’s event turned into a tailgate party as it was too windy for setting up any tents or gazebos on the parking lot for the drive through event. 548 needy people from 120 fragile families registered for this popular annual Birthday Party for Jesus celebration. In addition to the homeless and working poor, about 100 people from the community contributed time and gifts to provide for the success of the event.
Santa and the Mrs. were on hand to wave at kiddos in their cars as they passed by his chair, and the Youth Circus Troupe from Kinetic Tapestry provided stilt walking, juggling, and clowning entertainment as cars were driving in the parking lot. Festive Christmas music was playing throughout the afternoon, thanks to local DJ, Mike Schlipp.
About 250 toys came from Toys for Tots, and 120 filled laundry/cleaning baskets were donated by ministry friends. Each family was given a new handmade quilt from the Afternoon Quilt Guild of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Des Peres, and they were also given $25 gift cards from Jim & Barb McCormick, Wentzville UMC Men’s Group, the Lori Depp Memorial Fund, Mike & Kim Hudson, Bill & Kathy Schweikert and other ministry donors.
The Grace Community Chapel, St. Peters, team assembled tasty holiday food treats under the leadership of Janice and Mike O’Rourke. The 100 teens each received gift bags including ear buds, new socks and $10 gift cards donated by the Tammy Stratman Brown Charity Foundation, led by Cheryl Russell.
Handmade dolls were given from the Stitches for Life group, St. Peters. Additionally diapers were donated by Crisis Nursery in Wentzville, and 270 new Bibles were given away from the Matthias’ Lot Church, St. Charles. Dawn Bray coordinated all the client registration functions.
Let us know how you or your group would like to get involved for next year. For information contact Lana Kruse: lanakruse@gmail.com or 314-799-3694.
