Christmas Miracles still needs gifts, donations

Organizers of the Christmas Miracles program are still asking for gifts and donations for those in need and those without family this Christmas season.

The Churches of God program’s Tree of Miracles is at Desloge Walmart near the photography studio at the front of the food side of the store. The tree is covered in about 200 tags which includes the person’s gender on one side and their wishes on the other.

Barb Sutton, an organizer, said there are a few hundred more names that aren’t even on that tree. The program helps children, veterans, handicapped, shut-ins. They help some of those affected by lay-offs.

Sutton said in many cases, they don’t know the individuals’ names. “We don’t get to know … but the Lord knows who they are and that’s who matters.”

Those wanting to help are encouraged to take a tag off the tree, buy the individual’s wishes and return the gift to Desloge Walmart in a gift bag.

You can also help by making a monetary donation at the Bank Star of the Leadbelt in Desloge where the Christmas Miracles Treasurer Brenda Hampton, works. Donations can be tax-deducible.

Each Christmas package comes with a card that reads “Dearest one: No matter where you are, you are not alone or forgotten. I am with you always, even unto the end. Merry Christmas! I love you. Jesus.”

Sutton said if it weren’t for the public, the 22-year-old Christmas program wouldn’t exist. She said last weekend’s charity auction for Christmas Miracles raised $2,500 for the program.

The Branding Iron Restaurant in Farmington will donate 10 percent of proceeds 4-9 p.m. Dec. 15 to the Christmas Miracles program.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.