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Enola Gay Mathews
The spirit of giving and caring is alive and well in Hopkins County. Even after the Christmas holiday has passed, the effects of giving from the heart continue to make a difference for the recipients of human kindness. Here are a few examples that we know of at the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram.
The Blue Christmas service held at First United Methodist Church on Dec. 20, 2023 brought 25 people to receive the hope and comfort the Bible offers in dealing with sadness and loss that some can feel especially during the holidays. According to Reverend Larry E. Collins, FUMC Music and Worship Minister, the ministry team deemed the service a great success, especially for a first time event of this kind.
'There were many tearstained faces as the service moved through the scriptures and the carols. The gold star each person made in remembrance of a loved one was hung on the small Christmas tree as we sang 'Silent Night,'' Collins said.
The Blue Christmas service is expected to be repeated next year.
Silver Santa is a locally- based drive to provide assistance for senior citizens and others who have a need for extra warmth this winter. Through the generosity of local sponsors, the Silver Santa drive received a supply of electric heaters, blankets, caps, gloves, coats and jackets. Senior citizens and persons in need can go to the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, 150 MLK Dr. to receive assistance. For persons who are homebound, delivery of the necessary items can be arranged. Two local business owners, Cherish LaCook and Glenn Norfleet, originated the drive. Both had previously done charitable work through OVET, a local veterans association, and decided to pitch in together to help fill a need during the colder season.
According to LaCook, “No one in our community should go without ways to keep warm this winter. If you are a senior citizen or a person in need, you can take advantage of this free offer.” The Silver Santa drive is expected to continue though the cold weather months. With questions, call 903-461-0953. All donations will be distributed through the Sulphur Springs Seniors Center.
A Golden Agers Christmas Tree is sponsored annually by the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center. Seniors center coordinator Dawn Pryor reported that 143 local seniors were served by caring individuals who made sure that no one was left out at Christmastime. “The wishes expressed were simple ones, ranging from a good book to read, warm slippers, candy, gift cards, pajamas, and fabric or yarn for sewing. Local families are among those who purchased and wrapped items and returned them to the seniors center to be delivered,” stated Pryor. Many of the Golden Agers are homebound senior citizens and many receive Meal A Day deliveries on a regular basis.