Last month, Mission Central announced the need to raise $250,000 to provide an expanded space for offices, the Village Food Pantry, and education programs, as well as to purchase a cargo truck and hire a Food Pantry Manager.

This month, we are closer to that goal through generous gifts from the Lockheed Martin AERO Club and the Ninnie L. Baird Foundation.  The Lockheed Martin AERO Club awarded Mission Central a $25,000 grant to be used toward our growth project. We also received a $10,000 grant from the Ninnie L. Baird Foundation to assist with purchasing equipment for the expanded Village Food Pantry.

On Wednesday, December 11, students from the Village Library were treated to a fun holiday party at St. Vincent's School.  

Students and teachers from St. Vincent's School led several stations of holiday games and activities for our Village Library students, and shared a yummy pizza dinner with them.  Each student also received a present, most of which were provided by their volunteer tutors.

The Village Library serves almost 50 children each week. Students receive one-on-one tutoring to make sure they complete and understand their homework, as well as practice their reading and math skills.  

Members of the Agape Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church of Hurst deliver Christmas presents.

Mission Central's Family Opportunities Program works with families who are either homeless or on the verge of homelessness. With the help of our Director of Family Services, Melody Wilson, participants in the program make a plan for improving their situation and receive assistance from Mission Central as long as they are meeting the goals in their plan.

These families face extreme financial difficulties and are not able to provide "extras" for their family during the holiday season.  However, through the generosity of Mission Central's neighbors, many of these families will have a truly merry Christmas.

Individuals and groups including Sunday School classes, women's groups, and even customers as a local restaurant have all stepped up to provide for the needs and wants of these families during the holiday season.  They have provided microwave ovens, Christmas trees, warm clothing, toys for children, and much more. 

As the families have received these gifts, the parents have often cried tears of joy.  They know that the kindness of their neighbors will provide a blessed Christmas for their children.