Heart for the Holidays, Grace College's annual Christmas outreach, will give to families in need from the Warsaw and Winona Lake community Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Lauren Swarr, Grace College student and leader of this year's program, looks to the campus and the community for donations and volunteers.

"The campus has been doing a phenomenal job and we have received a lot through them," Swarr says. Volunteers canvassed seven local neighborhoods and placed boxes in Grace College dorms. To prepare for a large community turnout, she hopes to "get more from halls and the community."

Last year, supplies ran out and some families left disappointed. "It was really hard to see the look in people's eyes when we told them there were no presents left," remembers Faith Arthur, a Grace student and volunteer last year.

To help satisfy families' needs this year, the community can donate nonperishable food items, as well as used or new clothes and toys. "Things that we just give away become their treasures," Swarr says.

Community donations can be dropped off until Friday at the Grace College Student Development Office in Indiana Hall on Seminary Drive, off Kings Highway.

Try to find items beyond clothes, Swarr encourages. "Our biggest need is toys and food, because clothes are the easiest thing to give away."

Swarr, who co-led the event last year and led the children's program her freshman and sophomore years, shares her reason for serving: "I love helping people reach out to those who are in need," she says.

As a student teacher this semester, Swarr spends a great deal of her time off campus, which makes leading a campus event difficult. She says, "It has been a great challenge and sometimes I wondered if I could even do it, but I know that it will work out. It really is an amazing opportunity to help people, especially this time of year."

Sunday evening, those in need from the community will park near the Grace College gym, accessible by Wooster Road or Kings Highway, and be directed to McClain Hall for a gospel presentation.

"They will hear a speaker, worship and sing Christmas songs and see Remnant (Grace's drama team)," Swarr explains. "Children will go to Alpha Dining, where they will see puppets, do crafts and have a snack."

After the McClain program, community members can receive toys, clothes, food and wrapped gifts in the Lancers' gym.

Swarr suggests other ways to give more than a toy or pair of jeans this Christmas. Volunteers from the community can "work alongside Grace students" from giving out donations in the gym to directing people to different buildings.

Those willing to help translate are needed as well.

"There are always a lot of Spanish-speaking people, so anyone who can translate or talk to them is helpful," encourages Swarr. For more information on how to help, contact Lauren Swarr at 574-372-5200, Ext. 7543.

Last month, Swarr began organizing the event with a team of five Grace students: Carolyn Dann, Heidi Biehler, Michelle Kantenwein, Abi Eshleman and Lynae Peugh.

Without a co-leader, Swarr appreciates the extra help of the Grace Ministries in Action leaders, such as Jeny Martin and Tim Eames. "Ty Propp is my staff member that helps me out," Swarr adds.

When Dec. 12 arrives, the fruit of the work is realized. Swarr says, "The real joy comes the night of the event when people who are less fortunate can get items that they need."

In thinking of goals for Heart for the Holidays, Swarr says she hopes "to serve more people than last year."

Her prayer is that "the gospel will make a difference in someone's life." She says, "Even if just one person is changed, all the planning, stress and time spent will be worth it." [[In-content Ad]]