A long line of people formed to see Santa last Wednesday night at the Gathering Wing. The organization received anonymous donations of toys, allowing for gifts for 146 children and two senior citizens who wanted to join in on the fun.
By Carolyn Reid
Kelly Mosley had hoped for 25 people to show for the toy distribution at the Gathering Wing.
To her surprise and pleasure, 148 people showed up to see Santa and to take home a bit of Christmas cheer.
The gifting did not start with Santa. Cookies, hot chocolate, stocking stuffer type gifts, and slightly damaged items were available to all who waited in the mild winter evening air.
Volunteers were everywhere, and they had started working well before Wednesday night, according to Mosley, because all of those gifts had to be wrapped and marked with the appropriate ages. Through the evening, those ages were communicated from Trish Moneyhon, the greeter, to those who volunteered to be Santa’s elves as the children sat on Santa’s lap.
Mosley says the volunteers put in long hours long before the evening event began.
“The Wing volunteers, Wing board members, volunteers from CAC-RSVP program, my 83-year-old mom, family and friends, [spent] many nights past midnight [wrapping gifts].
Some of those and others appeared Wednesday to help entertain and serve those who waited. “We had eight students from six years old to 18 years old and eight adults.”
Additionally, she stated, “We also provided 19 residents from Front Gate in Butler with gift bags full of wish list items for the RSVP volunteers to take to them.”
The foot traffic on Park Street led some volunteers to direct vehicle traffic for safety reasons. The car wash across the street was packed with attendees’ cars, sometimes blocking those who were using the wash itself in spite of visible efforts not to do so. No one seemed to mind the inconvenience. The air was full of Christmas cheer.
Mosley has become well-respected for her work in the community, keeping a pantry and clothes closet available for those in need while regularly distributing fresh produce and other supplies. Christmas just increases the evidence of need in the community.
While she is the “wheel,” so to speak, she never forgets to mention the many volunteers who are the cogs in the work she considers her ministry.
As she reflected on last Wednesday night, she once again recognized this.
“When I think about [all who come together to make this happen], that’s a huge shoutout to all who volunteered, donated, and are dedicated to our community! Again, I’m so blessed to see God work through amazing people!”
If you would like to help with the Gathering Wing mission, the food pantry is in need of non-perishable items such as canned foods and boxed dry foods. Please stop by the Gathering Wing at 304 Park Street, Falmouth or email at gatheringwindinc@gmail.com for more information on how you can contribute, volunteer, or benefit from the non-profit if you have a need.