Pictures from 2011

While this page does have some pictures, let me first share some background.

For the third year in a row now, the volunteers at the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway have had the privilege of bringing Christmas to the small community of Allenville, MO. even if the source of transportation with it's whistle and flashing crossing lights were replaced by that of air horns, sirens, and flashing lights of a firetruck. There was a twist in the program this year. I was informed by the local preacher's daughter, Amanda, the children of Allenville didn't want us to bring them toys this year. At first I was shocked then saddened wondering what we had done wrong. Then she continued by explaining the children had all decided they wanted us to give their gifts to the children they had befriended who lived in an old grade school which had recently been converted into a homeless shelter. Some of the residents had formally lived in Allenville and moved due to either recent flooding, storm damage, or for financial reasons.

I felt bad saying to Amanda how I didn't think we could provide toys for both the town and the shelter but would follow their wishes. We would gather up what toys and clothing we could and, along with those few remaining families in Allenville, bring some Christmas joy to the residents at the shelter.

I just couldn't get the thought out of my mind as to how these kids could give up what little we would have offered them. And how sparse it would be to try and divide up the amount of items we had been able to collect the last couple of years between two groups.

A few nights later, I woke from a sound sleep around 3am and as clear as a Christmas bell, I heard God ask me why I didn't trust Him to provide for both groups. I felt like a small child being told he had disappointed his

parent. He reminded me that it was His job to provide our needs. I was just the delivery source. During an email conversation with Amanda the next day, she also stated she had a similar experience and we both knew this was going to be a very special Christmas.

We developed a list of needs such as coats, shoes, socks underwear, etc., asking the kids and parents for suggestions. Few asked for anything other than these basic needs. So we started spreading the word to our volunteers at the railroad, and to our co-workers and churches.

A few days before the party, the items were coming in from everywhere. Socks, shoes, all sizes of clothing, along with boxes of apples, bananas, and oranges. I am often asked why the big deal with the fruit. When you can't pay bills, buy socks, stay in your own home, where do you find the money to buy extras like a bag of apples or other fruit. So we had lots of the items that was on the 'needs' list. But there still weren't any toys.

Fortunately, God has allowed me to work for a company who's center focus includes giving back to the community. Each year, we have been able to receive a few extra items from the toy drive at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. to bring to the children in Allenville. This year's toy drive was the most successful in recent years. After all the commitments for the toys were fulfilled, I was allowed to bring left overs to Allenville. I tossed a bag into the truck along with three more in the back seat of my small car and headed 130 miles south. Saturday morning was rather brisk with the morning low in the mid 20's. But as promised, the ladies of Allenville were standing by to sort the toys and add to the items set aside for each child. We made sure each child had a toy along with the other necessities they had requested. But, we then realized we still have more toys. Most of the kids ended up with at least three toys. It seemed the more we pulled out of the bag the more toys appeared. At this point we decided to put the rest of the toys on the tables in the little town hall for parents to pick a couple of items each. These would then be presented by the parents to their own children on Christmas day.

Soon, bags of gifts were filled and placed on the fire truck, pick up trucks, and personal cars and the 'train' of vehicles headed to the shelter with Santa and the fire truck leading the way. As we neared, the sirens and air horns announced our arrival. And as in the past two years, the morning's chilly sting was subdued by the warmth of the greeting smiles and hugs of the children.

Each year I say how we bring Christmas to Allenville, but the children of Allenville brought the true meaning of Christmas to my heart. Their sacrificial love for others was a reminder of our heavenly father's sacrificial love for us. For God so love the world that he sent his son. If you don't know the rest of this Bible verse, see me. I'll be happy to explain it more to you.

I pray that this Christmas, you will find the peace, love, and knowledge that the children of Allenville have helped me find.

Merry Christmas.