(L-R) Gary and Barbara Kadow from Project SOS, the Rev. James Giles and Gateway to Hope volunteer Kevin Smith take a break from loading toys for this year’s Christmas party with a photo of last year’s party to the right | Photos: Gateway to Hope Ministries

Gateway to Hope Ministries in Ocala is partnering with St. George, The Villages, and other area organizations to offer a Christmas party for 160 children, representing 70 families, on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at Gateway to Hope.

The children invited to the party have a prior relationship with the food ministry, led by the Rev. Jim Giles, CEO. “This is our seventh Christmas party for children of the families we’ve served at Gateway to Hope,” Rev. Giles said. “It keeps growing every year.”

Helping with the party are Project SOS Ministries, Gary and Barbara Kadow, Toys for Tots, Betsy Abshire, Acknowledging Acts of Kindness, Abundance of Love, Southside Looming Group, a local chapter of the Knights of Columbus and the Boomer Loomers knitting group of St. George.

Children and families gathered around the reading of the Christmas story at last year’s party | Photo: Gateway to Hope Ministries

The program will include a presentation of the Christmas story by Debbie Shepherd, worship leader for Gateway Ministries.

“Puppets and statues help tell the story,” said Mary Giles, Gateway’s music director and wife of the Rev. Giles. “There is a chance for the children to ask questions about Jesus. Christmas music will play on the stereo throughout the party.”

Clown Alley – The Villages will be on the program, along with face painting and games with prizes.

St. George members Hubert and Donna Doull and their son, Kevin, will cook hotdogs and brats. Also on the menu are drinks and chips, all donated to Gateway. The Doulls also provide setup and cleanup.

Each child will receive a bag containing hoodies, presents and a raffle ticket for an opportunity to win either a skateboard or bicycle.

Brand-new bicycles for this year’s Christmas party donated by Toys for Tots | Photo: Gateway to Hope Ministries

“Betsy Abshire, a parishioner at St. George, has given Barbies, Legos, books and Hot Wheels,” said Mary Giles. “Toys for Tots has supplied 25 bikes this year; others provided skateboards. We make sure that all the toys and bikes are new. These kids have used things throughout the year, so we want them to have new things for Christmas.”

The Boomer Loomers have made hats and blankets for the children for the second year in a row.

“It was such a huge success, we thought we’d do it again!” explained Ruth Young, Boomer Loomer project leader for Christmas hats. “My team of 30 ladies has knit, crocheted or loom-woven 150 hats. We make them red; green; red and green; red, green and white – whatever Christmas color combination we can think of – and put them in a cellophane bag. We also include crayons, a candy cane and a coloring book.”

Each child’s family will also receive a turkey from Project SOS Ministries and the St. George Chapter of the Daughters of the King. The DOK has donated 50 turkeys and is sponsoring 10 families this year.

The Gileses see God’s hand in this event.

“We can’t believe how God has blessed us!” said Rev. Giles. “We prayed for hot dogs and drinks. Then someone donated them. I’m always surprised.”

Gateway to Hope began in 2010 and is a partnership between Gateway to Hope, St. George and St. Patrick’s, Ocala, with its kitchen on the campus of St. Patrick’s. It assists homeless veterans and families residing in the Ocala National Forest and serves 800 families weekly. In 2014, St. George and the St. George Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew joined them. The Brotherhood sponsors Gateway to Hope’s soup kitchen.

“We desire to put the gospel into action, serving those God sends us,” the Rev. Giles said.

Gateway to Hope also distributes food at Ocala Springs Baptist; Kingdom Revival Church; Revealing Truth Ministries and Ministerio Cielos Abiertos, all in Marion County; and three churches in Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. It became a mobile pantry during the pandemic, serving 300-plus families every Saturday at its five locations while offering prayer, emotional support, live worship, the Word and fellowship. Immediately after the food distribution, Gateway holds a church service.

“Bishop Brewer thought a Saturday worship service suited our clients and what we do,” explained the Rev. Giles.

Those who would like to help with this year’s Gateway to Hope Christmas party may visit the ministry website for more information.