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Print magazine

Nampa Helps Bring Joy to the World

By Joann Burnsed, April 10, 2016

That was the feeling that spread throughout the entire room at the Nampa Church Community Services' second annual Christmas Gift Giving event on Dec. 6, 2015. The parents of the recipient children were thrilled with the huge selection, according to age and gender, of toys, clothes, toiletries, gift cards, blankets, pillows and so much more. There were also candy canes and chocolate for the whole family.

Each family also received a new blanket or afghan donated by the Nampa Church family. Volunteers set up for the event the night before and, amid much gaiety and laughter, were amazed and surprised at the abundance of gifts donated with unselfish love. 

The doors opened at 9 a.m. to welcome the expectant parents. With Christmas music in the background and volunteers to help each person, everyone was able to pick out their gifts with comfort and ease. 

More than 60 families were served. Nampa members thank God for His continuing “favor” to this ministry and for the continued support of their church family.

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Joann Burnsed holds one of the quilts given to families.

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A bag full of Christmas gifts is a welcome sight to anyone.

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Some of the children received these adorable bears that say, "Give me a hug."

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One of the parents surveys the spread of chocolate.

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Featured in: April 2016

Author

Joann Burnsed

Community Services Director
Section
Idaho Conference

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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