Down the narrow, winding city avenue the large white and green school bus bounced along as it navigated between parked cars on both sides of the street.
As the bus pulled to a stop, one honk on the familiar horn and children ran out of their homes with their arms bear, in stocking feet - too excited to put on their shoes.
On this cold and windy Saturday morning, the children know that the Firstworks bus is scheduled to stop by their house to bring a touch of "Christmas" to them and their families.
Stop after stop at each of these downtown Memphis homes, the FirstWorks staff and volunteers, jumped out of their vehicles to unload every gift longed for on the children's "wish list."
Bikes, skateboards, games, stuffed animals, building blocks, puzzles, playing cards, radios, books, warm clothing, sleeping bags....and some children even received new wooden bunk beds. Additionally, each family was treated to a large food basket and frozen turkey to prepare for the holidays.
Smiles, hugs and wishes for a "Merry Christmas from FirstWorks!" left each household a little warmer and brighter as the bus pulled away.
Rev. Birgitte T. French, FirstWorks Executive Director, said of this annual excursion of goodwill and generosity, "So many churches, businesses, book clubs, and individuals throughout Shelby County and beyond donated gifts and food for the kids enrolled in the after-school program this year....and the list of supporters gets longer and longer.
We thank each and every one of them for helping to make these children and their families feel loved and cared for this Christmas!"
Contributing to this Christmas caravan of gifts and food baskets included: Christopher Cooley, DDS and his staff, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Holy Communion Presbyterian Church and Book Club, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Biochemical Post Doctors, Collierville United Methodist Church, Germantown United Methodist Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Union Ave United Methodist Church, Jackson Shoe Store, FirstWorks volunteers, PEO AA group from Germantown, and Mullins United Methodist Church.