“We are a blended family and my husband lost his job during COVID,” said Hallie. “He just started a new job but we are behind on our bills. We didn’t know how we were going to provide Christmas for our six kids. We prayed and then heard the church may help us. The church said yes, but we had no idea what that meant. This is such a blessing!”
Hallie and her family were one of 140 families who received Christmas presents, stockings, and meals from The Church on MastersRoad through a grant provided by Somebody Cares. In all, 15 churches and ministries in Greater Houston received holiday funding from SCA, reaching families throughout the area with the hope of the season.
Conner, a student whose family also received help from the church, said: “I knew you were giving us gifts, but I had no idea that you were including a grocery card. My mom said we were planning on having hot dogs and now we can have something fancier to celebrate, and maybe even a dessert. This is awesome!”
“We know the Bible says that God will provide our needs,” Hallie added. “And we know this wasn’t a need, but God wanted to give us the desires of our hearts. And He did that through you.”
Thanks to generous donations and grants, Somebody Cares was able to help over a dozen churches and organizations in Houston provide a Merry Christmas to hundreds of children, families, and seniors. Outreach events with toys and other activities were also hosted by Church on Fire, Fellowship Houston, and 1 Team, 1 Fight.
“It meant a lot to me, in a time like this where we’re financially struggling, to have a church to open their doors,” said one father who attended the outreach at Church on Fire. “Not only do they bless your family with gifts for your children, but the love you receive coming through the door is undeniable. It puts a smile on my face and a smile on my kids’ faces. I can’t say thank you enough. I really appreciate your doing God’s work.”
YWAM Houston purchased hygiene kits for the homeless, and Inner Chamber Church used their funds to minister to homeless residents in their community.
“God used you all for a specific need in our ministry, to give more and help more!” said Pastors Robert and Wendolly Hernandez from ICC. With your help, we were able to feed the homeless with a brisket plate, dessert, fruit, McDonald’s gift cards, socks, underwear, and personal care items.” The guests of honor were very grateful, they said. “Some of them were very excited to have fresh fruit and gift cards for future meals.”
Risen Nation hosted a party for foster families, with toys, shoes, and other treats; Holocaust Remembrance Society delivered 40 gift cards and Chanukah cards to Holocaust survivors; and Seniority Services put together care packages for senior citizens. Other grant participants include: Calvary Community Church, Faith Center, IPC Hebron, OurHouse Downtown, and Free Indeed.
Thank you for giving! And thank you for caring!