Leeds/Moody Welfare Cooperative grants a number of Christmas wishes

By Lora Scripps/The Leeds News

Christmas wishes came true for a number of area children last week as the Leeds/Moody Welfare Cooperative once again gave out gifts for those struggling to make the holiday as enjoyable as years past. Local sponsors made the gifts possible.

It has been a year of unemployment and the dreaded word– recession however, the Leeds/Welfare Cooperative and community continued to move forward in order to do what they consider their part by sponsoring a record 184 children.

Over 64 bicycles, four tricycles, skateboards, scooters, DVD’s, games, movies and toys were donated.

“They have been well taken care of,” said LWC assistant director Barbara Higginbotham. “It has been a very hard year with so many people needing help, but we have had dozens of volunteers who have put in hours and hours of hard work.” Higginbotham added that she was amazed at the sponsor the turnout this year as well. Over 100 sponsors took part in the event. “All the sponsors did a very good job,” Higginbotham said. “We have never had to use the entire gym for gifts before, but this time the gym was completely full.”

Hugh Lee, an individual who serves on the LMWC board said that the event was absolutely incredible. “Our goal is to use this opportunity to number one–help children, and number two and most of all–help share with families the true meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Jesus,” he said.

“This is a Leeds/Moody event that involves many of the churches, several businesses, schools and individuals who come together not only for this event, but also on the other 364 days of the year to help the needy in our area.”

A line formed outside the Leeds Civic Center on Friday despite heavy rainfall as those who applied for a little help this Christmas waited patiently to pick up gifts.

Every year, families in need contact the LMWC and the cooperative does its best to help everyone that they can. Then, about a week before Christmas, the LMWC sets up in the civic center gym from 9–12 a.m. to deliver those wishes.

Families who do not meet the qualifying date are also welcome to pick from an assortment of toys for children on their list that were not sponsored.

They also gave 219 families food gift certificates this holiday.

The Leeds/Moody Welfare Cooperative operates year-round and is a major part of the community.

They help support numerous causes and provide help to families throughout the area.

Donations to the LMWC, a non-profit 501c3 organization, are welcomed any time throughout the year and are tax deductible.

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