By By Adrienne McKenzie
The Change of Mind Children Outreach Ministry spread the joy of Christmas through gifts, food and socialization Saturday afternoon.
The organization's president and founder Betty Cox said the Christmas party was a hit with all in attendance.
"It was wonderful," she said. "It was a blessing. We had a good turnout and it truly was a blessing just to touch lives. We were trying to touch the lives of some people and I believe it was accomplished through God."
Cox said there were many people at the party and that many Christmas presents were given out.
"We gave out way over 100 gifts," she said. "We had families to come through with three and four children."
Some of the gifts given Saturday were purchased by Change of Mind, but many were also donated, Cox said.
Change of Mind Children Outreach Ministry is a non-profit organization that raises money through fundraisers and is also a United Fund organization.
The ministry will be two years old on Jan. 14. Cox said the reason she decided to create the ministry is to help and inspire young people in the area.
"I was at work (at the Atmore Police Department) one day and I saw a parent come in with her child," Cox said. "I began to look at her and I saw the distress she was going through with the child. She was aggravated because she had to get off work because of the child. I looked and thought 'children are so rebellious' and the minute I thought that, God talked to me and said 'what are you going to do about it?' I went a whole week and he ministered to me. He opened the door and touched my heart. The kids are our future and the way Satan is prevailing the land, he's tainting our young people. But, I believe somebody's life will be touched through this. And that's how this got started."
The group meets every Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Cox said.
"We sit around and have crafts and encourage them and build their self-esteem," she said. "We know their lives could be better at home and out in the community. The purpose of the outreach ministry is to reach out to our young people, show them a more excellent way to live and to motivate and encourage them."
Cox said although the general age range assisted by the ministry is ages 3-15, the group is not limited to that group.
"We reach out to all of them," she said.
Cox was appreciative to all who assisted with the Christmas party Saturday evening.
"I want to thank everybody that was a part in making this Christmas party and gift-giving a blessing for the children," she said. "I want to thank everybody that played a part, no matter how small or how large, I want to thank everybody."
The ministry is located at 8580 Hwy. 31 in Atmore. For more information about the ministry, call Cox at 368-4870 or 294-2331.