The seventh annual Christmas Hope for the Holidays brought some joy into the lives of 909 children this year with donations collected from organizations and individuals from around the county.

There were also more than 100 volunteers who helped collect, sort, and distribute the gifts and donated supplies. These items were given to 339 families in need on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 1400 Parker Road.

"The Rockdale community is blessed to have so many caring people and organizations working together to bring many smiles to the faces of many children and lots of hope to the hearts of many parents," said Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Director Michael Hutcheson in a released statement. 

Christmas Hope for the Holidays was started by three pastors. Michael Hutcheson, Allen Mays, and Tim Hogg were doing similar outreaches and requested help when they didn’t have the manpower to continue. Through DFCS (Department of Children and Family Services) they were partnered with the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families, which is now headed by Hutcheson, and have continued to spread Christmas Hope ever since. All three pastors still participate in the event to some capacity.

For more information, contact  michalehutcheson@rockdalecoalition.org or call (770) 761-9244.