LONGVIEW, Texas — An East Texas nonprofit is asking the community to help bring Christmas joy to families in need this holiday season one gift at a time.
Like Santa Claus, J-Star Ministries founder Patrick Johnson has made a list and is checking it twice to make sure several children receive a gift just in time for Christmas.
"And kinda checking the list off or whatever, but at the same time the list started growing," Johnsons said. "Initially, we were only going to do 40 kids, and like I said we’re up to 58. Because, again, it’s a tough time for a lot of different people, for various reasons."
Johnson says the list continues to grow so he is reaching out to the community for donations.
"About ten more bicycles, we need to be able to buy some more dolls, some more basketballs, footballs, puzzles, just a lot of different things like that to be able to give the students," Johnson said.
Johnson understands the struggle the holidays can bring for families. He grew up in a family that needed a little extra help during the holiday season, so he knows firsthand what it means to these families in need when they receive that little bit of support.
"It means a lot to ‘em, like I said if I think about myself and growing up and the people that helped us out and you were able to receive some gifts on Christmas or whatever, it made a big difference. You felt good, you had something new, you were able to go as a little child and play with or whatever. And it made your day," Johnson said.
Johnson plans to deliver the gifts on December 16 at Harleton High School but for now, he's focused on getting more gifts for the children.
"Simply purchase the items that I talked about, toys for boys and girls from ages one year to 17 years old, and I will come and pick them up," Johnson said.
Below is a list of donated items still needed:
- Bicycles
- Blankets
- Dolls
- Toy cars
- Trucks
- Puzzles
- Footballs
- basketballs
- Soccer balls
- Games
- Bibles
- Coloring books
- Gift cards for students age 16-9 months old
For more information on how to donate, message Johnson on Facebook here.