Holston Home needs help with horse & holiday projects
By Homer Marcum
Churches are invited to participate in three ministry opportunities at Holston United Methodist Home for Children in Greeneville, Tenn.
Several congregations have already contributed to the home's questrian program, while others are gearing up to provide gifts and good wishes for needy children at Christmas.
Horse ministry: Members of the Kodak United Methodist Church youth group built Holston Home's riding rink on Oct. 24 and 25, using the volunteer work session to share the gift of labor on a mission trip to Greeneville.
Youth Director Tom White said the 13 teens making the trip enjoyed themselves. And they also got a lot of work done, said John Kirk, Holston Home's vice president for facilities.
Now, Holston Home's children will paint the riding rink white, said Lorrie Wright, adventure-based counselor.
“We very much appreciate the Kodak youth group's help. Now, our children will be able to ride the horses in a structured training environment, which will be so helpful. Our children are excited,” Wright said.
If your church group would like to help Holston Home children with any number of work projects, call Betty Cook, volunteer coordinator, at (423) 787-8705.
Christmas wish lists: For a child, not many things could be more lonely than being away from home and not having any Christmas gifts wrapped and under a tree with your name. Betty Cook, wish list coordinator, is again inviting church groups to sponsor a Holston Home child for Christmas.
A realistic goal of $150 per child is the amount most people donate, or the equivalent in gifts, Cook said. About 200 children have submitted wish lists. Donors may buy the actual gifts themselves or make a cash donation, leaving the purchases up to Cook and other volunteers.
“Every year, we get a good response from the public. I know the children appreciate all that is done for them.
“We do not want any Holston Home child to go through the Christmas season without gifts, and we appreciate any help the public extends to our children,” she said. Cook's number is (423) 787-8705.
Santa celebration: Holston members are invited to join Holston Home's staff and children by celebrating the Christmas season on Tuesday night, Dec. 16, when Santa delivers a horsedrawn wagon-full of gifts to the children living on campus in Greeneville.
This year, the public is invited to start a Christmas tradition by following Santa and singing Christmas carols. The goal is to get everyone in the Christmas spirit as children meet Santa outside their individual residences to receive their gifts, Holston Home leaders said.
“I envision hundreds of people here to help Santa by singing joyous Christmas carols as he makes his rounds,” said Art Masker, Holston Home president and CEO. “We hope to see a lot of familiar faces in the crowd as we wish our children a merry Christmas.” Candles to help light the way will be distributed in front of the Administration Building to each visitor joining in the celebration. Hot chocolate will be available at the Gazebo when Santa and his horse have completed their chores. Santa will begin his rounds promptly at 6:45 p.m.
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