Thank you Westminster for Believing in St Nick!

25 years of giving and over 10,000 receiving.

Dream it-Do it! And then, do it againfor 25 years!

St. Nick was presented to the Social Concerns committee at Westminster in 1987, as a response to the devastating farm crisis with high interest rates, hail storms, and areas of drought. Farm families across the state lost farms and crops, placing them in the unfortunate situation of poverty. Families who previously assisted neighbors were now reluctantly seeking food  and assistance at various food banks.

St. Nick was created 1) to identify these rural families, 2) provide Christmas gifts to parents and children, and 3) educate our congregation on the unique circumstances of poverty in rural Nebraska.

With the help of Joanne Komenda, who previously worked for the Nebraska Food Banks, state-wide Community Action agencies which house food pantries, were able to provide names of families (fictitious names for confidentiality), Caseworkers submitted names of the most in need. Caseworkers over the years, have provided names of 10,076 people who received gifts form Westminster.
Once selected , the family submitted three gift choices for each family member. Parents have consistently requested basics. Warm clothes, shoes, socks, and blankets. Yes, Barbie is still on the list! St. Nick always finds toys for the children even if theyre not on the list! Food, laundry detergent and gas cards are often requested by parents. Towels, silverware and cookware are moms choices, which of course are for the family too. Thousands and thousands of gifts have been delivered to 157 small communities across the state. Each year, nearly 200 Westminster families answer the call from St. Nick to purchase just the right gift  for these families. Members purchase gifts, provide financial assistance, bring in gift wrap, stocking stuffers for adults and children, and of course help wrap the parents gifts at the wrapping party. (Gift wrap is provided for the childrens gifts, but theyre left unwrapped for parents to see and give as they choose.)
One of the primary purposes of St. Nick was to educate ourselves about circumstance of poverty in rural Nebraska. Caseworkers are asked to provide a brief history of the family explaining their situation, allowing us to have a more personal perspective. The problems existing today remain as they were in 1987. Self-employed farmers without insurance as well as the seasonal and part time workers. High fuel costs to heat drafty farmhouses and below standard housing, as well as the need to drive long distances to find employment. Illness whether an adult or child, has devastating effects on the entire family, emotionally and financially. Many live miles form Omaha and Lincoln treatment centers. Family members have been in accidents, homes have burned, and women and children abused. Over the years, we have received thank you notes from some of the families. They often express their gratitude that some unknown St. Nick brought such joy and hope at such a difficult time in their lives. Its the unspoken sharing of Gods love.

Here we are twenty-five years later. Members children from years ago, remember shopping with their parents for a St. Nick family when they were young and want to share the experience with their children! We hope you will join the Westminster Christmas tradition and sign up in the Garden Room this November.
 Thank you Westminster for believing in St. Nick!