Wise Men Gift Exchange all about grace, giving

Palm Coast Observer
News

For some families in Palm Coast, this is going to be a difficult Christmas. To ease the financial burdens, Parkview Baptist Church will host its annual Wise Men Gift Exchange as part of its annual drive-thru Christmas Living Nativity.

Neighbors in need will be able to receive new and gently used gifts for their children.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to talk to your children about the gift of giving," said Greg Peters, pastor of Parkview Baptist Church.

The pastor encourages people to go through the items they no longer need or want, for them to be donated.

Unwrapped items may be dropped off at Parkview Baptist Church, located at 5435 Belle Terre Parkway. People can also drop gifts off as they drive through the Palm Coast Living Nativity 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 or 13. The church recommends donations appropriate for children and teens including toys, games, CD's, DVD's, art supplies and sports equipment.

The gift exchange is open to the public and begins 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

The goal is to allow families to select three gifts for each minor child in honor of the three gifts presented to Jesus. Emmanuel’s Closet will also be open at Parkview that morning and will be giving away free clothing to help those in need. In addition, Parkview’s Food Pantry will open at 10 a.m.

Anchor Boat Club serves 9 families
In a tradition as old as the club itself, the members of the Anchor Boat Club have once again committed to help struggling families.

Thanks to the people at the Palm Harbor Publix, the club was able to assist 52 people in nine families celebrate Thanksgiving.

Sue Pope stars in romantic comedy at Daytona Playhouse
Palm Coast resident and actress Sue Pope will be on stage again at the Daytona Playhouse in a romantic comedy, “You Say Tomatoes” by Bernard Slade.

Libby, played by Pope, is a successful television producer from New York. Giles (Danny Crile) is a stogy, eccentric and extremely private Englishman comfortably set in his ways. Can Libby persuade Giles to move to New York for the fame and fortune he doesn’t want but she so desperately needs?

Directed by Jonnette DeMarsico, and written by the author of “Same Time Next Year,” the show runs through Dec 15. Call 255-2431 or visit daytonaplayhouse.org for tickets.

Daytona Playhouse is located at 100 Jessamine Blvd., in Daytona Beach.

Be a Santa to a Senior
This season, holiday shoppers in Flagler County can give cheer to area seniors by participating in the Be a Santa to a Senior program.

The program, run locally by Palm Coast Home Instead Senior Care, in partnership with Grand Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center, Wickline Senior Center, area retailers, volunteers and memebers of the community, helps ensure all seniors receive gifts and companionship during the holidays.

Retailers participating will display tress with cards through Dec. 18. Trees can be found at three Walgreens stores at 1109 Palm Coast Parkway S.W., 215 Palm Coast Parkway N.E. and 5000 E. State Road 100.

Kelsey named SAR president
The Flagler Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution elected David John Kelsey Sr. as its new chapter president.

Kelsey also serves the Florida State Society – SAR as member of the Charter and Bylaws Committee; Commemorative Historic Sites Committee; Eagle Scout Scholarship Committee; Finance Committee; Liberty Tree Committee; NSSAR Constitution and Bylaws Review Committee; and the Standing Rules and Procedures Review Committee.

Carver Center gets insulation
Flagler County workers recently installed insulation to the G.W. Carver Community Center’s Gymnasium, in Bunnell. The success of the community center, combined with the fundraising efforts of the G.W. Carver Foundation, has enabled Flagler County to add insulation to the interior walls and ceiling of the gymnasium.

This effort will help lower utilities costs and improve gymnasium sound.