Photo courtesy Intercept MinistrIntercept Ministries Executive Director Lynette Gibbons enjoys helping the community.
For many families, the holidays are a time for giving and receiving presents. Some families in Magnolia, however, lack enough money to buy gifts. That is where Intercept Ministries steps in.
"Our No. 1 concerns are grandparents raising grandkids and single parents, and their reactions [to the donated gifts] are usually tears," said Lynette Gibbons, executive director and founder of Intercept Ministries. "They're very thankful."
Intercept Ministries, which became independent of Magnolia-based nonprofit organization Society of Samaritans in 2012, relies heavily on the community to be able to help those in need, Gibbons said. An anonymous donation allowed Intercept Ministries to become an independent organization. Community leaders and other individuals have helped provide the group with a piece of property and storage facility.
Intercept Ministries operates out of a storage unit 11 months each year and opens a toy shop from Dec. 1–18 to collect donations at the Magnolia Landmark Building, such as teddy bears to gift cards. Emergency donations are accepted Dec. 20–23.
"Based on last year's [statistics], we take care of approximately 2,000 children and 567 families," Gibbons said. "And then we did baskets for 125 senior citizens, and those baskets include calendars and fluffy socks and toiletries, and we also sponsor some of our seniors that really need help."
About 10 years ago, Gibbons provided gifts for 200 children through her special projects volunteer efforts. Through the growth of Intercept Ministries, the organization was able to provide 260 bikes and 1,200 stockings in 2013 for children ranging in age from infants to high school seniors.
"If they're still registered in school, they're getting gifts from us," Gibbons said. "You can't give [a gift] to the 6-year-old kid and not the 16-year-old kid. It's not fair."
Gibbons said the group usually receives a surplus of toys for young children, but it does not always see enough presents for teenagers. In addition, the organization supplies gifts for senior citizens who may be overlooked.
Residents who are looking for ways to help serve others can consider sponsoring a local individual or family by donating basic necessities or extra gifts, such as Christmas pajamas to help brighten a family's celebration, Gibbons said.
"It's really a good feeling when you see how much they appreciate a gallon of laundry soap—just a container of laundry soap," Gibbons said. "We're giving them the gifts. They're not expecting the extras."
Intercept Ministries toy shop, 18230 FM 1488, Magnolia 281-840-1300, www.interceptministries.net, Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., closed Sundays
