On November 29, a team from Faith Community Church delivered holiday gifts to Project Just Because to help 267 struggling families in Hopkinton and Metrowest. 

The church launched the giving campaign in October. Each needy family had a wish list that was provided, and members of the congregation “adopted” one or more families to help make their holiday special. 

“This is their holiday,” said Project Just Because President Cherylann Lambert Walsh. “The gifts you see here is the only thing these children have. We’re so excited, grateful and thank you to Faith Community Church.”

Indeed this was a step up for the church, who last year sponsored 500 children, and has made the program an annual tradition. 

Where requested, each of the bags included a note from “Mom & Dad”, or in some cases, “Santa”.

“What I love about this project is that it empowers the parents,” said Mike Laurence, Lead Pastor at Faith Community Church. “What touches me most are their lists; disposable diapers, food, clothing, and items you wouldn’t expect to see on a Christmas list but that these families really need.”

One of the families requested a bicycle for their children, who had never had a bike. The church responded with not just one, but three brand new bicycles.

The holiday program at Project Just Because is one of their largest. Last year the organization gave out 27,556 gifts to families throughout Massachusetts. They serve more than 850 families each week with food, clothing and other essential items.

“There are people who sit in church who came to us in need because they couldn’t afford to give gifts or sponsor a child. Now they are coming and getting food and clothes for their own children because they felt comfortable. Faith Community Church is a wonderful place,” added Lambert Walsh.