The day didn’t feel like Christmas—at least not the kind most people expect.
It was warm. Nearly 60 degrees. The sun was shining. And at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds, families arrived not to chaos or long lines of traffic, but to calm, order, and a sense that something good was unfolding.
It felt, in many ways, like a quiet gift in a hectic season.
This year’s Christmas distribution served 51% more families than last year, yet the day moved smoothly thanks to months of planning and an army of volunteers who showed up ready to serve. For many, the unseasonable warmth and sunshine felt like a brief and beautiful reminder of God’s love smiling down on this example of Christian Compassion.
Among the families served were Kyla and Brad* – a young married couple who never imagined they’d need help from a food pantry.
They were doing okay—working hard, making progress, watching their two little babies grow strong and smart. They weren’t flushed, but they were holding things together. Then everything changed. Kyla had a seizure. After a scary hospital stay and a few more episodes, she could no longer drive and even struggled to feel it was safe to care for her kids without another person there. Doctor’s appointments are multiplied. The rhythm of daily life fell apart. Her husband missed work repeatedly to care for her and their children and eventually lost his job at a local shop.
Now, he’s driving for Uber—doing whatever he can to keep the lights on and food on the table. And this Christmas marked the first time the family had ever asked for help.
They weren’t asking for much. They just wanted their kids to have something under the tree.
“They were so grateful,” said Jaimie Trussell, CEO of Crosslines Community Outreach. “Not because of the toys themselves—but because, in the middle of illness, job loss, and uncertainty, our community showed up to care.”
All around them, similar stories unfolded. Families navigating grief. Parents facing unexpected job loss. Neighbors who had never needed help before, suddenly unsure where to turn.
And yet—there was joy.
Hundreds of volunteers ensured families were welcomed with dignity and care. Special thanks go to longtime volunteer leaders Taleyna and Eric Morris, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes leadership help make the Christmas distribution a success year after year. Because of their efforts—and the generosity of this community—the day remained calm, organized, and chaos-free, even as need increased.
By the end of the day, the sunshine waned; families serving and being served made their way home, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday carried on. But for many, that warm December day will be remembered not for the weather—but for the moment they realized they were not alone. For guests like Kyla and Brad, it meant help and hope – and that makes all the difference.
Watch the video outlining the annual distribution