Local pastor gets needy kids toys for more than 15 years

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Repost from abc12.com, See the full article plus video here: http://www.abc12.com/home/headlines/Local-pastor-gets-needy-kids-toys-for-more-than-15-years-361722701.html

FLINT (WJRT) – (12/13/15) – A Flint pastor has been helping under-privileged kids get the Christmas they deserve for more than fifteen years – and this season he’s also helping out a new group; the Whaley Children’s Center.

It starts with an original musical play – the humor and singing delighting the crowd of kids and family members watching. Then the Christmas story is told, reminding all of the true meaning of the season, Jesus’ birth.

But the main event for many involves toys.

“We’re trying to bring some joy,” said Pastor Michael Stone with Power of God Ministries and Flint International Dream Center.

Pastor Stone is behind this all. Local sponsors help his congregation get toys for kids and teens in the area.

“I believe that it’s an obligation of everybody that’s able in a community to do some give back. And this is our giveback. We’re not that big, we’re not a mega church, we’re on a dirt road as you saw when you came up. But we can yet make a difference,” he said.

This year 35 kids from Dailey Elementary in the Beecher School District are getting gifts. A couple told me what they were hoping for.

“A bike!” squealed Kavila, who attends Dailey Elementary.

“A trampoline!” said Marquis, also at Dailey.

The children were chosen by the school, as most likely not to have a proper Christmas. Their families will also receive some food for the holidays.

“I try to be the best mother I can and she’s been good at school so I appreciate everything that’s been going on. And she do too,” said Shaquida Davis, Kavila’s mother.

Also being helped this year for the first time are 30 kids and teens from the Whaley Children’s Center. Pastor Stone wants them to have a happy Christmas too.

“The Whaley children, we’re giving away tablets and DVDs,” he said.

Pastor Stone says he hopes his congregation’s yearly tradition, will inspire others too this holiday season.

“it’s the right thing to do,” he said.