It would be hard to think of someone facing a more difficult time this Christmas than the children of one of the nearly 200 murder victims in Kansas City this year. A local pastor is trying to make a difference, according to a story on Fox 4 News.
Pastor Timothy Hayes is leading the effort, which he calls #250Kids.
“I’ve done at least 125 services in the last few years,” said Hayes, who also leads the 24-Hour Faith Training Center. “At least 100 of those are directly homicides. Another 10 of those are suicides, many of them fathers.”
But it’s what happens once the funeral service is over that started a passion within Hayes, as the focus moves from the victims to the surviving children.
“I want to make sure they get Christmas this year, and not just the children of many of these homicide victims, but the brothers and sisters where the moms are still grieving and not able to work,” he said.
Hayes has a goal of giving 250 kids a brand-new toy for Christmas .He is relying on his faith in God and the community to deliver.
“If we can give a kid Christmas, then we can stop violence in the community,” he said. “You won`t have to worry about going out to rob or steal or sell drugs to provide Christmas for your kids.”
Hayes said he’s selecting children of low-income families and children in foster care who will also benefit from the toy drive.
Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/250kids-24ftc-christmas-giveaway. New, unopened toys can be dropped off at the church, located at 2908 Indiana Ave. in Kansas City
The banquet and toy giveaway will be held December 7 at the Four Points by Sheraton. Participating children will be able to select whatever toy they want.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
