I am posting the following email in it's entirety. Please take a few moments to read it. If you have been looking for an opportunity to bless someone this Christmas, well, here it is. My family and I have participated in this festival for about 20 years. The only one we missed was 2007 when one of our daughters went into labor prematurely, and we were all at the hospital. (Our daughter started crying during labor when she realized she was going to miss this party!)

The Wingards do amazing ministry with very little resources. They do the work that most of us would shudder at. This festival isn't about the presents. It's about the opportunity to physically, emotionally, and spiritually touch the lives of 283 children and their families with the love of Jesus!

I know it's been a tough year financially for many of us. And things aren't looking too great for next year either. But look around you, at your home, at your cars, at your . . . stuff. Then just think about your kids only getting 3, that's right, 3 presents for Christmas. Nothing else. Need I say more?

I will be glad to answer any questions. I will do the shopping for you if you want to give money instead of shopping. If you can provide one of the games or booths, that would be awesome. You can message me by this blog, email, facebook, twitter, or call/text me. And Charlotte's number is at the end of the email along with their website. They are a 501c3 charity.

God bless,
Renea

 EMAIL FROM CHARLOTTE:

UPDATE!!!! The Happy Birthday, Jesus, Festival is this Sunday on the Dec. 16th at the Trade Mart in Jackson. We have pre-qualified and interviewed 283 children for Christmas wishes and help for their family. WE HAVE ABOUT 73 CHILDREN NOT SPONSORED AT THE TIME OF THIS E-MAIL!

These children are "little lambs" because their Christmas wishes are listed on little lamb cards and are hanging on a Christmas tree at the Flowood Walmart. These children will show up at the festival on Sunday, because it is being given to honor Jesus....... and the needy and homeless children are HIS special invited guests. We do not want them to show up at the festival and have to watch the other children receiving gifts and they have nothing to receive.

Please help us spread the word. If you would like to help, but do NOT want to shop or go out to the Walmart in Flowood, then we would be glad for you to financially support the sponsoring of the child and we will do the shopping.

Just call me at 601-906-1976 and we will arrange to come to you!

To summarize, we need the following:
SPONSORS FOR THE NEEDY CHILDREN (lambs on the tree at Flowood WalMart)
BICYCLES....ALL SIZES
A SANTA SUIT IN XXL
DECORATION TEAM TO DECORATE THE FESTIVAL AREA ON SUNDAY MORNING
A CAKE WALK FOR THE FESTIVAL.....this is the Kid's favorite every year!
ACTION GAMES FOR THE OLDER KIDS AT THE FESTIVAL (football throw, basketball throw, ring toss, bean bag toss)
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!
PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE FESTIVAL (TWO HOURS)
SOMEONE TO VIDEO THE FESTIVAL (TWO HOURS)

Please spread the word and help us get these needs out. We know there are folks out there wanting to help someone for Christmas.....you may be the key to connect them to us ....social media! word of mouth! workplace! church tonight! e-mail! facebook! call the TV & radio station! ...........just please help us spread the word! There is an old Christian song that I remember! It says, "it only takes a spark to get a fire going, and then all those around can warm up to it's glowing....that's how it is with God's love once you've experienced it You want to spread His love around....you want to Pass It On."

You may be the spark that gets this thing wrapped up and the homeless and needy children will surely be warmed by your love and concern for their needs.

God bless you in a great big way,
Charlotte Wingard Festival Director
cell: 601-906-1976

 Charlotte A. Wingard
1279 N. West St. Jackson, MS 39202-2059
Women's Pastor Ministry Co-Director
cell # 601-906-1976
www.wingardhome.org