By REID TUCKER
The Matrix Community Outreach Center and numerous other Walton County organizations provided gifts for 300 local children and fed a combined 641 people at the 2014 Community Christmas event.
The second-annual event was hosted Saturday, Dec. 13, at CHELCO’s operations center on U.S. 331 North. Participation at this year’s event represents a sizeable jump from last year’s turnout, said Matrix Managing Director Candy Nowling. In 2013, 220 children received Christmas gifts and 550 people attended the holiday luncheon provided by the more than 200 volunteers in attendance.
The number of sponsors of the annual charity event also increased – in fact, it more than doubled since last year, with 31 local organizations, charities, churches and businesses supporting the Matrix’s efforts to reach out to those in need during the holiday season.
“This event is our way to make outreach more of a family-oriented thing in time for Christmas,” Nowling said. “It all got started as an offshoot of the Angel Tree project (started by the Matrix and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office) that gives presents to children who might not otherwise have anything under the tree, but providing a good meal to people in need gives us an extra opportunity to meet with people and connect with them on a personal level. The extra participation we’re seeing this year is proof that there are many working, middle-class families who are struggling during the holiday season.”
It wasn’t all about a baked ham lunch and a bag full of presents for the kids, either, as the Matrix and its veritable army of volunteers provided all sorts of entertainment for those gathered at the event. Cartoon characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Curious George brightened the face of many a child, while performances from local talent, including the country music duo Robert and James, put on a show the whole crowd enjoyed.
Knowling said individuals, businesses or organizations that wish to participate in next year’s Community Christmas event should contact The Matrix directly, either by phone at (850) 892-1090 or by email at thematrix@matrixcoc.org. Other information regarding future events, volunteering opportunities, where to donate and everything else Matrix-related can be found at the organization’s website, http://matrixcoc.org.
