The Daily Dispatch

A community gift-giving event supporting needy families is opening its doors early this year to donations.

Organizers for Reason for the Season are asking for gifts and cash before the Dec. 8 event at Harvest Outreach Church, Wahpeton.

For one night only, the event offers brand-new gifts free to anyone who could use a bit of help during the holiday season, ranging from people who lost their job to those who experience a serious illness and can't afford presents.

"It's not income-based," said Vicki Hermes, coordinator and church member. "It's just for somebody when there are hard times. We want to help."

Hermes said she started the event after God had spoken to her during a mid-December nap three years ago. She said she was told to do a community event at her church but soon discovered a complication.

"I called my pastor [and told him the story], and he said, wow, you realize you only have two weeks," she recalled.

Although Hermes had a short window of time to use the church, everything fell into place. After sending out some e-mails and fliers, word of mouth took care of the rest, she said. In less than two weeks, her double garage had filled with gifts and donations from businesses and community members. More than 100 people participated in the event and nearly as much received some Christmas help.

"We had hundreds of donations the first year," she said. "They blessed us with something unbelievable... we had gifts galore. It was amazing."

Donations have now exceeded the space in her garage and spilled into two classrooms at Harvest Outreach Church. People have already given toys, bedding and clothing, and Minn-Dak Farmer's Cooperative is offering 100 bags of sugar.

As the annual event continues to grow, Hermes stressed everyone is welcome to attend.

"We don't want people to feel like they can't come because they're embarrassed - it's nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to all of us," she said. "It's all about the love."

Hermes said they accept donations year-round, which somewhat fits the meaning behind the biblical moniker, Reason for the Season. She based the name after her interpretation of a line in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 50 verse four.

"It's not just about Christmas, it's about every season in our life," she said.

Contact Hermes at 643-8430 or Kelly Walker at 640-7777 to donate.

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