<span style="color: #000000;">This is the second year that <a style="color: #000000;" href="http://www.celebrationcares.org" target="_blank">Celebration Church (Disciples of Christ)</a> has partnered with <a style="color: #000000;" href="http://www.youthinneed.org/Portals/0/Informational%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">Youth In Need</a>, a nonprofit child and family services agency, headquartered in St. Charles, MO, for the Christmas season.  Our mission is to provide surprise Christmas gifts to the youth that find themselves in the emergency shelter for the holiday.  To give them hope for a future and remind them that the world still cares about them.  <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/sp-christmas-miracles">DONATE HERE</a></span>

<span style="color: #000000;">This project is based on the <a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME9PmSZedB4" target="_blank">WestJet Christmas Miracle Project</a>.  We are a small church with big hearts and we knew that we could make a difference.  We would also like to invite the community to help us make miracles happen for some special kids this Christmas.</span>

<span style="color: #000000;">Here is what we do.  We start with a Christmas Celebration with the kids at the shelter.  This way we get to know them, their interests, hopes and dreams.  We have "elves" that report our findings back to our team of shoppers.  Once the gifts are bought, the wrapping team takes over.  Finally, more "elves" deliver the gifts that night, anonymously.  </span>

<span style="color: #000000;">The shelter holds 12 youth and our financial goal is a minimum of $50 per child.  If we raise more, then it will be divided evenly between the 12.  Last year we were able to spend $100 per child!  This event was amazing for everyone involved.  The kids were thankful, full of smiles and some tears of joy were shed.  </span>

<span style="color: #000000;">You too can help a troubled child remember that they are a beloved child of God, no matter where they are, and lift their spirits, as well as your own.</span>