Christmas for homeless

Local churches are planning festivities to give those in need an event to celebrate this season.

A Hand-Up Ministries is catering a Christmas dinner and celebration for adults and families who live on the riverbottoms and others who don't have a home of their own.

“We want to benefit the homeless people, to give them a gift and love on them,” Pastor Ron Brasier said. “And let people see what we are actually doing and what the church has come to.”

The Christmas dinner and celebration, in its fourth year, has attracted about 70 homeless persons to past events. This year, organizers expect another large turnout.

The celebration will include dinner, song, prayer and a small service.

“One of the highlights this year is we are going to dedicate the church,” Brasier said.

The dinner itself should also be a highlight, the pastor said.

“The menu we're putting together is just gigantic,” Brasier said.

After dinner is the raffle, when every person is given a present.

“At this time of year, I don't see why we can't all pull together and give everybody one nice gift,” Brasier said.

A gift pack of socks, a hat, gloves and goodies are also given to each person, as well as a hygiene case with cosmetics and toiletries.

An arts and crafts table will be set up for the kids, who will also get a gift.

“It's not really about the gifts; it's about sharing the gift of Christ,” Brasier said.

Another Christmas Dinner is being held the same day at Good Seed Church in Linda. This event is in its 11th year.

“This Christmas, we are going to have toys, bicycles, Santa and just a great old-fashioned Christmas for the community,” Pastor Samuel Thompson said.

The free dinner “with all the trimmings” has attracted crowds of hundreds. It's designed to reach out to the homeless and people in need.

“We try to display our love more than preach our love,” Thompson said. “When somebody comes to eat, we have a server come and smile and welcome them and tell them that God loves them, and so do we.”

A Hand-Up Ministries is holding its annual riverbottoms Christmas dinner and celebration at noon Dec. 23 on the levee side of Lynn Way in Yuba City.

Organizers are seeking donations for the church and gifts for homeless adults who attend the event. Camping items and adult bikes are especially welcome.

Donations can be sent to A Hand-Up Ministries, P.O. Box 1389, Yuba City, CA 95992. Gifts can be dropped off at the front desk of Best Choice Storage, 875 Forbes Ave., Yuba City.

For more information, contact Ron Brasier at (530) 613-2859.

Good Seed Church of God is holding its annual Christmas dinner at 1 p.m. Dec. 23 at 1584 Hammonton-Smartville Road, Linda.

Organizers are seeking donations to buy bunk beds and dressers for a new dormitory-style transition home. They are also collecting kids gifts to give out at the Christmas dinner, including bikes, skateboards and scooters.

Donations can be sent to Good Seed Church, P.O. Box 1642, Marysville, CA 95901. Gifts can be dropped off at the church.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 749-4724. You may e-mail her at blaughlin@appeal-democrat.com.