Children of Smith County inmates celebrate Christmas with Church of Living Hope

Published 3:00 pm Friday, December 20, 2019

Christmas can either be the most wonderful time of the year, or it can be the most difficult. For children of Smith County inmates, it’s mostly difficult.

Church of Living Hope in Tyler stepped up to make sure that these children have good memories of Christmas by hosting a Christmas celebration for them.

“This is an annual event here at Church of Living Hope. We call it Hope at Christmas,” said Senior Pastor David Herndon. “We go into Smith County Jail, and different families from our church purchase gifts for the children of the inmates that are there.”

The families of the church volunteered to sponsor an inmate’s family, paying out of pocket for each specific child according to age and gender. At the event, each child was called up with their family or guardian to receive their gift and to take a picture to send to their loved one in jail.

“To me, it was basically about giving,” said Sherrae Howard, who attended the event Wednesday with her family. “I just had a good time. They prayed, and they enjoyed the kids.”

“I will be back Sunday.”

The event included a meal, a magic show, costume animals, s’mores, and a viewing of “The Polar Express.” In addition to every child receiving gifts, there were also raffles held for three children’s bicycles.

“We believe the church exists to make a difference in people’s lives,” Herndon said. “We want to make a difference in these children’s lives and in their families’ lives during this special time of year.”