Christmas in October

In the past during the month of October,  United Methodist Women have had large boxes around the church where members could put gifts for the Christmas store at the Cookson Hills Center in Oklahoma.  The primary group that the Cookson Hills Center serves are the Native American people, mostly from the Cherokee tribe, in Northeastern Oklahoma.  It is one of the poorest parts of the country and especially now the people are really in need of help.  The Cookson Hills Center has been a significant part of the mission work of United Methodist Women since 1948.

After talking with their director, Rev. Judy Deere,  we found out that they are still having the Christmas store. Since this year we cannot have the boxes around the church during October, where members could put gifts, United Methodist Women at FUMC have decided to send money.   Rev. Deere said that she will buy gifts with the money we send.   In order to get gifts, families must sign up in November for a time to come and shop in December.  When they come to the Christmas Store which is in the gym, they get to pick out one gift for each member of the family and they also get a box of food.

United Methodist Women at FUMC have already given to help buy gifts, but if others in the church would like to contribute, please send a check to the church made payable to United Methodist Women and write “Cookson Hills Center” in the memo line.  We have a goal of raising $5,000.  

Thank you for helping these Native Americans have a wonderful Christmas.