money Local agencies team up to provide Christmas giveaway for families
Ailanah Miller didn't notice what was going on around her.
The 3-year-old was sound asleep in the back seat of her mother's car during the annual Christmas Giveaway late Wednesday afternoon.
"I'm here for help," said Loretta McGuire, her mother. "Because of COVID, it kind of messed everything up."
Children’s Cupboard Outreach hosted the annual event in partnership with Kingdom Grace Fellowship Church Overseer Pastor Renea Collins, Universal Enterprises, Shenandoah Ministries, the city of Mansfield Police and Fire departments, Richland County Children Services, We ACT, Faith Temple Church of God in Christ and Restored Visions.
Cars lined up along Third Street before turning in to the parking lot at the municipal building for the drive-thru and food giveaway.
“I want to thank all the community partners for their continued support. Universal Enterprises has been a blessing to Children’s Cupboard for several years, helping us make a difference in the community,” said Children’s Cupboard Outreach Founder Pam Jones.
Jones said the Christmas Giveaway started in 2006.
"I love it. I love helping people," she said.
During the giveaway, members of the police and fire departments dressed up as elves, joining Santa Claus and members from area community groups to give out bags of groceries and new toys to 50 families and 124 children referred through 211.
Participants got their choice of turkey or ham. They also received a bag of food, scarves and wrapping paper for presents.
City police Chief Keith Porch dressed as the Grinch, joined by elves Chad Brubaker, Don Rhinehart and Jerry Botdorf.
"My ears are falling off," Brubaker said.
The captain said Porch ordered the costumes "special delivery."
Rhinehart didn't seem too impressed with his green costume.
"It's not warm," the lieutenant said.
With a laugh, Botdorf said he was there "under duress."
Porch was in the Christmas spirit, merrily waving to families as they drove past.
"Merry Christmas, I'm not here to steal your presents," he said to some children. "Watch out for the elves, though. They're sneaky."
Porch said he welcomed the chance to get away from the stress and grind of the police chief job, if only for a couple of hours.
"It's definitely refreshing for the staff," he said. "My elves are excited."
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
Twitter: @MNJCaudill
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: City, county agencies and churches spread holiday cheer to families
