DECEMBER 20, 2023 www.wintertexantimes.com 18 WINTER TEXAN TIMES (956)566-1157 Anderson, from northern Minnesota, said he figured a few residents might participate in the project, with the items to be donated going to the Mission United Methodist Church’s food pantry. However, the idea drew an overwhelming response and Anderson found hundreds of food items being brought to the park clubhouse on Saturday morning for transport to the church food pantry. He said residents had supported the food pantry in small ways in the past, but “never on the grand scale like this Christmas.” He needed some help with the project and Markel’s husband, Doug, was one to step up along with Russ Wenger from the park. Doug said, “The whole park is like that” after wife Daleen said, “The love shown here (by park residents) is unbelievable.” Doug, who is planning a second car show on March 9 next year at Mission Bell, noted their church back home in northwest Ohio has done this type of food project in the past. Wenger’s part was to loan the use of his shed when they found they needed storage for all the food being donated. “It’s a good thing,” he said. ”Love the park people and I will do anything to help.” ADVENT From pg. 1 Anderson decided to move up the closing deadline for donations to Saturday, which included money donations for those who couldn’t shop, so that the food pantry could help needy individuals and families before Christmas day arrived. The outpouring of food brought a few tears of joy to Norma Welter, a park resident who volunteers at the local church. “It’s just overwhelming (the donations),” she said. As an aside, Anderson and his wife’s main passion are the music jams in various parks. The couple also manages two jams, one at the J-Five MH & RV Park that just started on Tuesday and on Friday at the Trades Winds RV Resort. Anderson is a guitar player and Karen plays the mandolin. Anderson was pleased to have three or four carloads of food for some needy people. As you read this, a group will be leaving to enjoy Christmas celebrations in Mexico City. Hopefully we will get to participate in a posada. Once we arrive in Mexico City, there will be many decorations, pinatas, and special Christmas scenes. This tour was an annual event before the pandemic temporarily brought traveling to a halt. Now it is back again and hopefully will continue year after year. If you haven’t been, watch for it next year. Mexico goes all out for Christmas. Have you ever wondered how or why we give gifts at Christmas? This is a tradition that many countries celebrate. It all began with a Catholic Bishop who inherited a lot of money. He gave it all away as gifts to the poor who were in need. Soon others began to follow the Bishop’s example by sharing with others. Look it up on a computer and read all about St. Nicholas whose name evolved into Santa Claus. My gift to all of you – Wherever you may be – is that you will enjoy a blessed and joyful Christmas. ON THE ROAD From pg. 15
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