POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) – Hundreds of kids in Powell County received early Christmas gifts on Sunday at Harbor Light Worship Center.
Last year, more than 700 kids from struggling families left the event with big smiles on their faces.
This year, they hope to exceed that number.
On Sunday the church looked more like Santa’s workshop, packed to the brim with toys and other gifts.
Pastor Jimmy Cole says about 3,000 gifts were donated since the summer.
He says they hope to provide presents to 2,500 kids whose families may be struggling.
On Sunday, families lined up outside the door, and each child was able to pick out three toys.
“My husband lost his job like two months before Christmas. That really took a toll on us this year,” said Powell County Mom Chelsey York.
York says the past few months have been tough.
“Last year I had a house fire, and I lost everything of mine, and my parents are struggling,” said York.
That’s why this toy giveaway means everything for the York family.
Seeing her 5-year-old son overjoyed as he looks at his new toys brings a sense of relief to Chelsey.
“It’s everything to me to see my kids smile. That’s my everything. More than life itself to me,” said York.
As kids and their parents enthusiastically walk out the door, Cole, is emotional
“A lot of children, they need this. This is why we do this. We love kids. We want kids to have a Christmas” said Cole.
So far they don’t have a tally of just how many kids received toys through the event.
