THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Jamie Elliott, founder of Grace Ministries in Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
With the recent completion of a successful Thanksgiving event, where the ministry was able to feed approximately 5,000 people in the community, the organization now turns its attention to Christmas.
On Saturday, December 21 at 10 a.m., Grace Ministries will hold its Third Annual Toy Drive for Children at 961 Burr Street in Henderson.
According to Elliott, families in attendance will be shown a video with the story of Jesus’ birth and then will have a time of prayer. Afterward, toys will be distributed to children. Elliott said children must be in attendance to receive the toys.
Elliott thanked local businesses, such as Roses and Dollar General, for assisting with toy donations and welcomed any interested organizations or churches to volunteer or donate as well.
In addition to allowing the ministry to use the parking lot for toy collection, Elliott said the Roses location on Dabney Drive and Norlina Road, as well as local Dollar General locations, have set up boxes inside the store for customer donations.
To further support the cause, the Dollar General in Kittrell – off of US-1 – will be holding a bake sale this Saturday, December 14 with proceeds going directly to the toy donation.
Monetary donations and/or toy donations are needed for both boys and girls from toddler age up to 13 years old. Donations can be brought to a participating store or may be brought in-person to Grace Ministries (961 Burr St.) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. or Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Elliott, who openly admits his past addiction to drugs and alcohol, said that giving back to the community in this way is a healing process and allows him “to share the hope of God’s promise, his son Jesus Christ” with the community.
In addition to community events, the ministry has ongoing, twice-weekly addiction recovery meetings.
Those struggling with addiction, or those who wish to help loved ones struggling, are encouraged to attend Grace Ministries’ 12-Step meetings on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7 p.m.
All are welcome to attend this addiction recovery process based on biblical passages. Elliott assured listeners that no one who seeks help is judged, and all discussions are kept confidential.
For more information on Grace Ministries, visit the website at www.graceofhenderson.org. With questions or to volunteer to assist with the toy drive, please call Elliott at (252) 204-3617 or Bobby West at (252) 432-7124.
To hear the interview with Elliott in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.