(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Great River Faith in Action.)

The Great River Faith in Action Second Annual Christmas Blessing Bags were distributed last week. This year, Faith in Action delivered 85 bags of gifts with a gift card to some of their clients.  

The bags are donated by Everyday Grace, a small nonprofit from Otsego.  Then, area businesses and individuals donated funds so that the organization was able to buy gift cards to local grocery stores to include, as well as treats, a devotional, and more for each bag! Faith in Action staff, board members and volunteers delivered each bag to clients in the community. The best part is, this is an unexpected blessing and they are SO happy to have company and know they are LOVED by their community!  For many, Faith in Action was their Christmas company and they invited volunteers in to talk. After visiting, volunteers were able to share a special time together praying and wishing them a Merry Christmas!  It was such a JOY to bring some Christmas Cheer to these wonderful folks!  

Recipients shared these words of gratitutde with the volunteers:

“This is a real day brightener! I will wait to open these, so I can have a surprise on Christmas!” said a disabled client who lost her Mom this year.

“I appreciate all you people do for me,” said an elderly widow.

“These gifts are for us?  I’ll let my mom open most of them.  This will make her happy,” said a little boy. He and his mom fled an  abusive relationship this past fall and FIA provided furniture and basic necessities to them.

“I will never in my life forget this happening. Thanks to all!” said an elderly, homebound couple.

About Faith in Action

Great River Faith in Action is a volunteer-based nonprofit located in Becker that serves the elderly and struggling families/individuals in Sherburne County and parts of Wright County. They assist the community by bringing together those that need help and those that are looking to help others. Every community served has people that want to help others, and there are naturally people who need help.