As we quickly enter the Christmas season, folks across East Alabama are in the spirit of giving.   In these tough economic times, people continue to give back to their communities as they help their brothers and sisters in need. But it’s not just at Christmastime, it’s all year round.

Every year around the holidays, I like to highlight a few of the great works going on across our area.  Following are just a few examples of people giving of their time and gifts this year.
 

In Sylacauga, a new church called Christpoint Community Church reaches out to those in need in the community.  Every Thursday, the church opens its doors and offers a free home-cooked meal for anyone who needs it.

In Lee County last fall, members of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program at Fort Benning volunteered their time to help clean up the overgrown Memory Hill cemetery with the Lee County Cemetery Preservation Commission.  

 In Opelika, Storybook Farm, Inc, which was started in 2002 by Dena Little, continues its work as a non-profit faith-based organization that provides horses and activities for children who are experiencing physical, mental, social and emotional challenges. 
 

Also in Macon and Montgomery counties, Divine Inspirational Ministries and RESTORE Ministries both do their part to provide housing, help with job placement and financial assistance and provide counseling for their homeless constituents.
 

 In Alexander City, citizens are supporting a play entitled, “The Forgotten Christmas Carols.”  All of the proceeds from this play are benefitting Children’s Harbor in Dadeville.

 At Wadley Baptist Church in Randolph County, members have assembled over 70 pairs of shoes to benefit forgotten children in need all over the world.
 

 And in Auburn, members of Moore’s Mill Fitness Club have been collecting “Toys for Tots” to benefit the United States Marine Foundation.

 As anyone can see from this sampling, folks across our state are always willing to help their neighbor all year long.  May they be shining examples for us all. Merry Christmas to you and your families!
 

Please feel free to contact me at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03