Thursday, February 6, 2025

Parker County Center of Hope Springtown hosts first Christmas outreach

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SPRINGTOWN —The Parker County Center of Hope Springtown location held a Christmas outreach event Dec. 18 for the surrounding community, helping families in need for the holidays.

Since opening a second location at the beginning of November, the Center of Hope Springtown location has been offering programs to help individuals in poverty and have been working with local churches to reach the community.

Parker County Center of Hope CEO Staci Markwardt said the importance of sharing love and hope with others during the Christmas season is crucial.

“During the Christmas season, even the smallest acts of kindness can spark hope and remind us that no one has to face their struggles alone,” Markwardt said. “Our Christmas of Hope event brought together countless community members, all coming together to share the love and joy of the season. From Christmas meals and blankets to toys and treats, this event was a beautiful reminder of the love and support the Springtown community has for its neighbors in need.”

Each Christmas, the Center of Hope hosts a holiday outreach to help those getting toys for their children and provides meals to families who stopped by for the gifts. For this event, the center was decked out in Christmas decorations to spread holiday cheer for those who walked in. The Toys for Tots gifts were sponsored by Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. The center had its food pantry open as well for people to shop for groceries.

The biggest Christmas outreach event is at the Center of Hope Weatherford location.

At the Springtown location, volunteers helped make this event extra special by having Santa Claus visit with the children and ask them what they want for Christmas. Volunteers passed out barbeque sandwiches along with warm blankets and other items for those who signed up prior to the event.

One volunteer was Shelly Cannon from the Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce and she was so happy to help Center of Hope with this event and see the love of Christ shared among others.

“My heart is overjoyed to partner with Center of Hope and Toys for Tots in providing gifts for the children and meals for the families, but most of all witnessing the renewed hope and joy that their hearts receive,” Cannon said. “We pray that every family in our community experiences the love of Christ that is celebrated this and every season.”