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At Christmastime, with all the television specials about “Santa” delivering gifts all over the world, the employees of Newberry County Department of Social Services and on behalf of those who will never have a way to give thanks in person they would like to thank this community for enormous outpouring of donations.

This time of year is sometimes difficult as we may celebrate without a loved one for the first time or missing someone special. Unfortunately, it is especially difficult for the children that are involved with our department. Some of the children feel lonely as others speak of family get-togethers for this special time of the year as it may be their first time away from that family or years since seeing their families.

Because of the overwhelming support, this community brought light into the children’s lives by providing them with special moments and encouraged them that this season is a reason for hope and reassurance reminding them that they are loved and thoughtfully cared for, not forgotten. This year this community opened their hands and hearts to share with children and families they have never met; and they gave in response to love our neighbors as ourselves.

From the donations of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, St. Luke’s Men, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Clayton Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church of Newberry, Backman Chapel Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Little Beaverdam Baptist Church, Kraft Foods, West Electric, Newberry EMS, Newberry Hospital Foundation, Newberry Ruritan, Nosegay Garden Club, Rosettes Bridge Club, Newberry Academy, Newberry Swim Team, Alpha Kappa Apha, PhiBeta Omega Chapter, and Fireant Softball Team, we received bikes of all sizes, toys, games, clothing, sporting items, shoes, educational toys, books, music, movies, stuffed animals, cards, jewelry, candy, personal items, hats, gloves, coats, blankets, pillows, electronic games, diapers, gift cards and cash, enough to provide 104 children of Newberry County gifts.

Yes,104 children.

These gifts brought life and hope - and the assurance that someone cares.

Well done Newberry County.

Jodi A. Hudnall

Newberry County DSS Legal