On Sunday, December 13th, 2009 members of Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC) became Christmas "elves" as they packed a U-Haul van to the brim loaded with presents for 17 inner city FirstWorks families they had "adopted" this holiday season.
FirstWorks, located at Union Avenue United Methodist Church, 2117 Union, is a 501 C 3 mission that includes an academic after school program for at-risk children from downtown Memphis, a MIFA food pantry and a clothes closet.
As the Germantown "elves" unloaded their gifts at Union Avenue UMC, one could see shiny new bicycles, skateboards, beautifully wrapped toys and games for children of all ages, bundles of warm winter clothing and even wooden new bunk beds that would be excitedly unwrapped on Christmas morning.
All of the presents donated by GUMC and other churches, businesses and individuals, will be delivered to the FirstWorks families Saturday, December 19, 2009.
Karen Oppenheim, a GUMC member, FirstWorks Board Member and "elf" for the day, commented on this annual event, "It is amazing how much people want to give to those less fortunate, even in this uncertain economy. We are so very happy to share a little Christmas with others that are in need at this time of the year."
GUMC has been spreading the love and warmth of Christmas by "adopting" FirstWorks families for over 10 years now. Ever year this generous congregation increases the number of families they adopt.
To find out more about FirstWorks, to donate or volunteer, please visit:www...firstworks.org or call 901.526.8228.