San Elizario's Abundant Church is set to hold its annual benchmark Christmas Toy and Food Giveaway, a tradition that has uplifted spirits for a decade. The non-denominational church, actively serving the El Paso area for over 45 years, continues its partnership with the San Elizario School District to spread holiday cheer among the community. According to KFOX14/CBS4, the event promises to distribute 1,000 food boxes and 3,000 toys this weekend at the district's service center.
Preparing for the giveaway engaged about 200 volunteers on Friday, as reported by KTSM, which is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the San Elizario ISD Support Services Center. Enthusiastically gathering at the site on Friday, the volunteers were organizing the plethora of items destined to light up children's faces. Senior Pastor Charles Nieman, capturing the essence of the hour, exclaimed, "We, as a church, look forward to this. We have a lot of big events — Easter, Thanksgiving — all those great things, but this is really the heart of our church," as per KTSM. While an additional 400 volunteers will boost the workforce needed to ensure the event runs smoothly, showing how the congregation is literally the engine that's driving this heartwarming endeavor.
Generosity underscores this yearly event, as church members pour resources and energy into this singular moment. Charles Nieman elaborated to KFOX14/CBS4, "Church members give and give generously. Their giving is makes this all happen."
One distinctive feature of the giveaway, as Nieman told KVIA, is how the children pick their own toys from amongst the thousands on offer: "We love coming here. We love the people. We are excited tomorrow to see all these kids get toys." Also, as part of the event, families will be able to take home holiday meals, complete with turkeys, hams, and all the fixings. The parents eagerly await receiving these provisions.
