Faith: Church reaching out to children with incarcerated parents

CLOVIS — The season to be jolly also brings with it the chance to help local children feel jolly as well.

The Living Word Church of God is hosting its annual Prison Fellowship Angel Tree gift distribution from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17.

Bonetta Hudson, music minister and celebrate recovery facilitator, is in charge of the program, which collects gifts for children with incarcerated parents during the Christmas season.

"It's just a way to connect their kids with their parents," said Hudson. "They're (the incarcerated parents) just trying to take care of business the best way they can."

Children are signed up by their parents for the program, with volunteers meeting the requests of the parents.

Hudson said the program has been around in Clovis for four years. The program will serve 164 children this year, double the amount from last year and a significant increase since their first year, where they served 30 children.

Hudson added volunteers from across the state contribute presents, with most of the presents coming in from Albuquerque.

Hudson was inspired by the program when she first heard about it with the church pastor's wife, Paula Stevens, while incarcerated. One of the purposes of the program, Hudson said, is to show how "we make mistakes but that's okay."

"It's just to show that prison doesn't have to be the end-all for everybody," said Hudson. "It's always an uplifting time. When you give a child a present, especially on behalf of the child's parent, you see that child light up with that. There's just no better feeling. When people make mistakes, and when churches and Christians can get together and they just extend the hand of friendship and love, it just changes them (the children) and offers them hope, and that's what Christmas is all about."

Volunteer and church member Vivian Lake agrees the program is a nice way to offer a helping hand to those that need it.

"Christmas is so special for children. When their parents are incarcerated, it makes it extremely difficult," said Lake. "If we give them a gift, at least they have one shining spot in their life and at least knows that someone cares. If they need someone to talk to, we're there for that. If they need someone to pray with them, we're there for that. It always blesses my heart to know we've done something, especially for children."

Volunteer Davena Stevens, 15, said the program inspires her to want to continue fellowship work in the future and raise awareness for the program in different towns.

"I just like to help people in that kind of situation," said volunteer Davena Stevens. "Over the years, I've learned to be grateful for what I have."

Hudson said the church is still looking for volunteers. Those interested in volunteering can contact Hudson at 575-218-1914.