Project Good Tidings brings Christmas support to hundreds

Carol Young, Grace United’s youth coordinator, speaks to children during Sunday’s service about the importance of giving at Christmas. Project Good Tidings collected hundreds of items for families in need across the region. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Churches across Tavistock, New Hamburg, Wellesley, Milverton and surrounding communities spend the entire year helping people in need. As Christmas approaches, that generosity grows even stronger, with congregations rallying behind donation programs that provide food, warm clothing and toys for families facing difficult circumstances.

Grace United Church in Tavistock offered a powerful example of that spirit on Sunday during its annual Project Good Tidings. Rev. Marilyn Arthur blessed hundreds of donated items that had been collected since the start of Advent. The sanctuary was filled with boxes and bags overflowing with toys, winter wear, hams, turkeys and canned goods – evidence of a community committed to caring for its neighbours.

Carol Young, Grace United’s children, youth and family coordinator, has overseen Project Good Tidings for many years. She said all donated items would be delivered Monday to the Tavistock Assistance Program (TAP), as well as Shelterlink and Optimism Place in Stratford, and the Christmas Place in Woodstock.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, noting the generosity shown each year “helps make Christmas happier for others” and consistently fills and overflows the collection boxes throughout the season.

Sunday’s service also included the welcoming of five new members into the Grace United congregation: Bill and Billie Ross, Mary Cherry, Don Meyer and Cindy Orr.