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Handing Out More than Great Presents

Dallas Morning News - December 19, 2010 - More than 700 volunteers were on hand for the 12th annual Christmas in the Park on Saturday, to lift the spirits of thousands who have been hard hit during the economic downturn. Families showed up at Fair Park to pick out gifts, clothing and food – all for free, thanks to community and corporate donations.

"We give a lot of hope, encouragement and cheer to many families," said S.M. Wright II, president of the S.M. Wright Foundation, which sponsors the event.

The S.M. Wright Foundation is a nonprofit providing year-round support to needy families. It provides food, tutoring, job training and other necessities to the underprivileged in South Dallas and surrounding communities.

The scene inside the Automobile Building at Fair Park was much like a shopping mall this time of year.

Organizers estimated more than 30,000 people were bustling around the tables filled with toys. Another area was filled with racks of new clothes, and a sea of bicycles (more than 1,000) took up a huge section of the building. Christmas carols could be heard throughout, and even Santa Claus was on hand.

For some families, such as William and Judith Noe of DeSoto, whose niece heard about the event on the radio, the last few years have been financially challenging. The couple has one young son, who couldn't wait to get home and play with the new toy he had picked out.

"It means a whole lot to the kids," said Judith Noe, who shopped with her husband, son and other family members. "[This year] we wouldn't be able to buy him anything."

William was in an accident in 2003. He suffered a head injury, which forced the former truck driver out of work, he said.

Judith, who last worked in 2008 as a housekeeper at Arlington Memorial Hospital, said she suffers from multiple sclerosis and isn't well enough to work. Both filed for disability and were denied.

Volunteers handing out grocery bags helped families pack them full with canned goods and other food items.

"It warms up my whole body to help them," said 9-year-old Josie Guthrie, who volunteered at one of the food tables with a group of her friends.

Christine Cook, president of Sleep Experts, said the company donated 100 mattresses to help families in need.

"We are overwhelmed by what's inside" the Automobile Building, Cook said.

This is Sleep Experts' first year to be involved with the event, Cook said, but she's so grateful to be able to help many local children who don't have a bed to sleep in this Christmas.

According to the Wright Foundation, the needs have increased among those it serves and donations have been down this year, over the same time last year.

"It's been very tough, but we know how to stretch it," said Wright.

Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway smiled as he looked around at the parents, children and volunteers. As Christmas gets closer, people open up their hearts, he said.

"Look at the color in here," Caraway said as he surveyed the diverse crowd that filled the room. "There is none. The only color you see is the color of Christmas."

- by Jana J. Martin