Gilbert Presbyterian Church in Gilbert, West Virginia, will give Pentecost Offering money to Operation Ho! Ho! Ho!, a local ministry started in 1996 by our seniors enrolled in Advanced Placement English class. The goal of the project each year has remained the same—to provide clothes, food, school supplies, toys, and companionship to our local elementary and preschool students during the holiday season. In December 2002, the English AP class visited Cline Grade School, Gilbert Grade School, Gilbert Head Start, and Ben Creek Head Start, providing treats and individual gifts for approximately 500 students, and taking particular gifts of coats, shoes, toys, and food to 150 special students and their families.

James White, an instructor at Gilbert High School, writes, “Each year I have observed the positive results of my students’ active participation in this project. Their hard work and support projects have been among the most gratifying and maturing of experiences in their lives. If you believe this generation of teenagers lacks compassion for others, you should see my students at work during our project!”

Jessica Houck
Gilbert Presbyterian Church
Gilbert, West Virginia