More to give
People’s Church once again plans “The Big Give,” with even more holiday cheer to spread around.
A metro area church’s Christmas giveaway event was so successful last year, the congregation is planning to host the extravaganza once again with even more holiday cheer to spread around. In other words, “The Big Give,” set for Dec. 16 at People’s Church, is getting bigger. In 2017, People’s Church presented a car to a family as a special surprise for “The Big Give.” Andy Wynn, the church’s communication’s director, said not one but two cars will be given away this year as part of the holiday activities. Wynn said one family in the church donated a car that the church gave to a single mother at the 2017 giveaway event. He said this year, two families in the church have donated cars for “The Big Give.” “It’s always our desire to bless as many people as possible because we believe it’s more blessed to give than to receive,” he said. In addition to the car giveaway, “The Big Give” activities will include the distribution of new toys to children who attend worship services with an adult on Dec. 16 at the church’s main campus, 800 E Britton Road, and its satellites. Ashley Peters, the church’s events director, said People’s Church members responded to the initiative with enthusiasm and donated lots of toys last year. She said the church gave away more than 2,000 toys at that time. Wynn said church leaders’ expectations were high but the congregation surpassed them. At this year’s event, children and families will be invited to drink hot chocolate and visit with fun costumed characters. Wynn said “The Big Give” was born out of the Rev. Herbert Cooper’s desire to reach out to the community at Christmas time. Cooper, the church’s founder and senior pastor, had noted that the church was already conducting outreach events at other times of the year. “God said you take care of my people and I will take care of the church so we’re not looking to get anything out of this. We know that families are spreading their resources to provide for their families’ needs and Christmas presents for their kids,” Wynn said. “We’re excited to partner with those families so they can take that pressure off their list. This is the heart of Jesus — to look out for those who are in need.”