While many people are stressed about holiday gifts for family and friends during the month of December, the families of Greystone Baptist Church took time to remember the students and teachers of Hope Charter Leadership Academy in Raleigh.  HCLA is a tuition-free public school that serves approximately 125 students from Kindergarten through Fifth grades.  It is located in the historic Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh.

This was the 17th year that Greystone Baptist Church has provided gifts to the students and teachers of HCLA.  Each of the 125 students received a shoebox filled with gifts, including toiletries, winter clothes, school supplies, and toys.  Additionally, each of the 25 teachers received a gift card.

This is truly a church-wide event for GBC.  It is estimated that over 100 families participated in offering shoeboxes or gift cards this year.  Gifts for HCLA were also a primary emphasis of the youth group Christmas party, where the students purchased gifts and wrapped 23 shoeboxes.

It is so easy to think about the receiving that happens at Christmas, but what an opportunity it was to participate in the giving of the season as well.  Thanks be to God!!!