by Chuck Alexander, Christ the King Church Member
When asked to serve on the Toy Committee of the CCSC Jingle Bell Express (JBE), the annual Christmas toy drive, I accepted, though I knew virtually nothing about CCSC or Jingle Bell Express at the time. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the JBE full committee was made up of organized, switched-on, energized, motivated doers (that is, people that get things done!) The entire JBE committee that plans and manages the event is composed of the Toy Committee, Book Committee, the Food Committee, and the Hospitality Committee ─ total of about 15 voluteers. One can only serve on a committee for three years; so the committment is not open-ended. And the 3-year rule enables "new blood" transfusions on an on-going basis. JBE serves families and kids in need, who cannot afford much of a Christmas. This year we provided toys and books to 3,100 kids from infant to 15 years, and several meals worth of food to their families. CCSC provides funds to purchase two thirds of the needed toys, and one third comes from member churches like Christ the King Church (remember the toy collection boxes in the narthex?) During the week of the distribution (second week in December) hundreds of volunteers show up to help set up the gymnasium at Bellaire United Methodist Church, and then help with the distribution process. It is a hectic week, but very rewarding. I just finished my second year and so have one more to go. The best part is working with the other volunteers, who are really great people.
by Helen Vierick,
Christ the King Church Member
Many of us from Christ the King have volunteered for years to the CCSC programs, particularly Back to School and Jingle Bell Express. Both of these programs ensure that children will be well prepared for school with supplies and clothing, and will also have presents and food for Christmas. Emergency Services and JobNet serve and target community needs in a much more effective way than many other civic organizations. But, CCSC also offers attention to detail: I have been proud to participate, however limitedly, in the Vision Screening program. This service to Kindergarten and First Grade Students screens for eye problems. Not only does it reveal the need for glasses, but it can pick up on peripheral problems, such as “lazy eye,” a wandering eye , or other problems with coordination between the two eyes. These problems can limit learning more than a lack of school supplies or uniforms!! CCSC, under the leadership of Michelle Shonbeck, is fine tuning service to the community.