Dec. 16 marked the annual Christmas event at Harvest Ministries Outreach Center in Wadesboro. The Community Christmas Blessing event, now in its ninth year, drew a crowd of almost 700 people to HMOC.
Beginning with the Harvest Christmas program at 10:30 a.m., guests enjoyed singing, dramas, readings and more. At 12:30 p.m., the Community Christmas Blessing part of the day began with a free meal served by Anson High School basketball coach Brandon Rains, and the Anson varsity boys basketball team, local leaders and many other volunteers. Crowds flocked into the auditorium of Harvest for toys, prizes, cash awards, and even a visit from Santa Claus and his elf. Lines wrapped around the facility with eager children and families excited about the Christmas event.
Lead Pastor Steve Adams shared, “Last year we set an attendance record of 864 during this event, which was a phenomenal thing, and this year we have set a record for the amount of toys donated and received — over 550 toys.”
Adams credited the generosity of the businesses and community of Anson and the Toys for Tots campaign. “Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant has always been a partner of ours in our outreach efforts, but Toys for Tots has allowed us the great honor of being linked with them and to provide hundreds of toys for the children and families of this county,” Adams stated. “What you see here today is a representation of every part of this county, and the greatest asset that Anson County has….its people, the future is bright …just look around”
With donations from local businesses, Christmas Blessing was able to distribute more than 550 toys, including bikes, cell phones, game systems and more. One adult winner walked away with $200 in cash and Charlotte Bobcats tickets!
Adams wrapped up this year’s Community Christmas Blessing with this: “This event has become a staple of this community and while we set records today, and were able to bless hundreds of people, the greatest blessing for Harvest Ministries is that 106 people prayed to receive Jesus Christ today; to me, there is no better Christmas Gift.”
Harvest Ministries Outreach Center would like to thank the many volunteers, organizers, community partners, churches, and others who made this years event possible.
For more information on the community outreach efforts of HMOC or next year’s event, contact Harvest Ministries at 704-695-2879 or visit www.harvestmin.com.
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