Hills Christian School students (from left) Rachel Buys, Ben Pausma, Morgan Heibig, Taylor Leuthold, Kyle Vis and Joshua Davis are ready to travel to Sioux Falls Wednesday morning to purchase the toys they will donate to the Union Gospel Mission.
By Jolene Farley
Christmas is a joyous time of year for most, so during the Christmas season the Hills Christian School strives to help those who do not have much to be joyous about.
This year students and staff at the Christian School began collecting two weeks before Thanksgiving for the Union Gospel Mission, Sioux Falls.
Their goal was to collect $220 to $250 to buy presents for children who come to the Mission for a Christmas meal. Each child is allowed to select one unwrapped gift after the meal.
Christian School advisers and students traveled to Sioux Falls Wednesday to purchase gifts with the money they raised. Afterward, they toured the Union Gospel Mission.
In the past, the Christian School has sent money and school supplies to the Dominican Republic after a devastating hurricane destroyed schools in the region and sent Christmas gifts to the children of prison inmates.
Union Gospel Mission facts:
The Mission ministers to men, women and children who are young, old and of all races. There are many reasons for needing the Mission. Every person is different, and so is every situation.
The Mission receives no government or United Way Funding. Approximately 80 percent of income is derived from individuals and organizations with the remaining 20 percent from church donations.
*The Sioux Falls Union Gospel Mission began on March 17, 1900.
*The women's and children's facility currently has 32 beds for women and children.
*The men's facility currently has 32 beds for transient men and 38 beds for men in the rehabilitation program.
*The Mission has facilities to serve 200 meals three times a day with special meals provided on Christmas and holidays.
*The Shepherd's Gate Program provides long-term live-in rehabilitation. This includes daily Bible studies, work therapy, money management, and educational and life skills training.
*The Thomas F. Morse Center assists adults in getting a GED, high school diploma, job skills training or computer literacy.