More than just an event, the Miracle of Christmas has become a cherished tradition of blessing community members who face financial hardship or difficult circumstances that cast a shadow over the holiday season, according to organizers at Vincent United Methodist Church.

Vincent volunteers are offering the Miracle of Christmas in collaboration this year with the Moose Lodge, which is providing a facility that can support the event’s growth and allow for preparation of free hot meals.

Bonnie Oakes, an organizer and volunteer, said no income requirements are imposed for the shopping or the meal that will be provided. This year, take-out meals also will be available.

“We have found over the years that they are very interested in shopping and just forgo eating, and we wanted to make sure they know they can take the food home,” Oakes said.

Jill Schramm/MDN Vincent United Methodist Church volunteer Irene Ost sorts gift items at the church Monday, Nov. 24, as preparations begin for Miracle of Christmas on Dec. 10.

There also will be door prizes, treat bags, a manger scene photo booth and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Organizers are prepared to accommodate 750-1,000 people, Oakes said.

The church credits the event’s success to dedicated volunteers who cook, organize, decorate, assemble gift bags and offer hospitality throughout the event. But it also credits partnerships with local businesses and community organizations that generously donate.

Oakes noted many donors from the community have contributed to provide numerous Christmas gift items for men, women, teens and children. Adults can select gifts for children, while children can choose gifts for the adults in their lives, and gift wrapping is complimentary.

“I was pretty much moved by our parishioners who really want to live out their faith in this way – a tangible way to share God’s love with people who are marginalized or suppressed by financial difficulties, especially in this Christmas season,” said lead pastor Rev. Chang Yi, who is watching the miracle unfold in his first year with Vincent. “A lot of parishioners are working on these projects. They have invested hours and hours in preparation.”

Yi sees potential in the future for other churches to partner and grow the event even further. As an example of generosity of the community, he recounted one volunteer’s story of checking out at a store with a cart full of gifts. The people in line behind her asked about the full cart and when they learned about the Miracle of Christmas, they, too, were eager to donate and participate in meeting people’s needs, he said.

At its core, the Miracle of Christmas is about living out the message of Christ’s birth, according to Yi. The greatest gift came in the form of God drawing near to humanity, especially those who felt forgotten. As the church communicates to people each year that they are seen and valued, a miracle is celebrated, Yi said.

“We know that Christmas is a very special time of the year that people really need to feel loved and welcomed and also blessed. As a church, our mission is to share God’s love with those who are suffering,” he said. “We just wanted to reach out to them and help them feel that they are loved, they are part of the community and, also, they are not alone. We are here to support them and work with them in their journeys.”