VOLUNTEER PROFILE
St. Anne's Episcopal Church Serves the Community
by Participating in the
“Love Out Loud” Project
By Barbara Campbell
Love Out Loud began in 2008 with the first
Christmas for the City at the Millennium
Center in downtown Winston-Salem by
focusing on two single phrases: “Look for the
activity of God” and “Be the
hands and feet of Jesus.”
Since that time, Love Out Loud has
built strong relationships to form a
collective of Christ-centered churches
(over 50), groups, and individuals
living out Christ’s call to love our
neighbor.
Each year, the project has sponsored
a Gift Mart and a city-wide Christmas
party. This year the Gift Mart will be
held on December 16 at the Benton
Convention Center. Churches,
schools, and agencies will refer disadvantaged
families who might not
have a Christmas the opportunity for
parents to purchase two larger gifts
per child at much-reduced rates. For
example, a bike may cost $5 (the
maximum cost of any gift) or smaller
gifts cost a smaller price. Last year,
the Gift Mart served 750 children
and 280 families. By allowing parents
an opportunity to participate in the
cost of giving, it preserves their dignity
and allows them to establish
their own family traditions.
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church supported
the Gift Mart by being a
collection site for gifts. Members of the church, families,
and friends were encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts
for both young children and teens. A bare-branch tree
was placed in the Parish Center where gifts were collected.
Once a gift was placed under the tree, a tag was
completed to identify the gift and then hung on the tree.
20 FOR SENIORS ONLY!
“Our goal was to fill the tree and spread
love to those in our community,” said
Susie Bleckley, co-chair for the project.
Church members will also participate
in the Christmas for the City party on
December 21 at the Benton Convention
Center, where 12,000 guests are expected.
Everyone is invited to attend this
free event! Along with music, food, and
Santa; there is an area where children
and their families can participate in a
number of activities.
St. Anne’s has chosen the “Kindness
Rocks” project” as its activity. “We are
preparing for 1,200 children,” said Susie
Bleckley. “We will paint river rocks in a
variety of colors and have the children
write an inspiring short message on a
rock. The children will take the decorated
rocks home and place them in their
neighborhoods for others to discover as a
way to spread love and holiday cheer.”
St. Anne’s prides itself on community
service. This is just one way the church
strives to make a difference and “be the
hands and feet of Jesus.”
Barbara Campbell is a member of St.
Anne's Episcopal Church and co-chair of
the Gift Mart project.
St. Anne’s Giving Tree