City Gate Christmas Food Baskets and Community Outreach
At our location in the Johenning Baptist Community Center, City Gate reaches out to the residents of the Washington Highlands neighborhood. At Christmas, we wanted to make Christmas merry for not only the children and families of our after-school program, but also for those in need in the community.
- Teaching our kids that it is better to give, than to receive, is one of the most important things we do at Christmas time. This year our children made cards and passed them out to patients at Greater Southeast Community Hospital, went caroling at a local elderly care facility, and assisted with our year-round efforts of distributing clothes and food.
- Then, through the generosity of several churches, organizations, and individuals, Ms. Michelle Newby, our Outreach Coordinator, gave out 20 bags of groceries, 18 Christmas meal baskets, 150 items of clothing, $1,600 in grocery store gift cards, and presents for 132 children.
- Finally, on December 22, the last day of school before Christmas break, City Gate hosted a Christmas dinner, complete with ham, turkey, and all the fixings for neighborhood children and families. Children were given toys, while parents walked away with gift cards to local grocery stores.
After-school participants visit with and give hand-made Christmas cards to patients at Greater Southeast Community Hospital.
Ms. Le'Kheejah Frederick, after-school instructor, and kids pose for a group photo at the hospital.
Left: Kids awaiting their Christmas dinner. Right: the Hunter family, one of the grateful recipients of clothes, food, and toys this Christmas.
Left: after Christmas dinner, kids eagerly await the passing out of presents. Right: City Gate Executive Director, Dr. Lynn Bergfalk, with City Gate after-school staff, (left to right) Mrs. Annette Robinson, Ms. Le'Kheejah Frederick, and Ms. Michelle Newby at the dinner.
FINALLY! The gifts are passed out. Kids assist our staff in the distribution. Left: Kortnee gives Ka'Sheema her gifts. Right: Lauren and LaShae receive theirs.