Public Partners with Matrix Community Outreach Center to Host Community Christmas Party

Since 2011, the Matrix Community Outreach Center (Matrix COC) has been working with public partners and volunteers to provide locals in need with a wonderful Christmas through their Community Christmas program.

This year was no different. Beginning in November, the center began, with the help of volunteers, taking applications for those in need to be part of the program. During the application period, volunteers registered 169 local families.

On December 7th, the Matrix COC hosted a Fill the Truck event at the Walmart in DeFuniak Springs and followed that up with the Operation Elf/Little St. Nick sorting day at the Walton County Fairgrounds.

The Community Christmas Party was held at the Walton County Fairgrounds on December 21st. During the event, children and their families were provided with meals, had the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and received the gifts that were obtained through donation by the public.

During the event, over 2,160 gifts and over 460 bikes, valued at $40,650, were distributed to 542 Walton County children, and over 710 meals were served to families.

This year’s event, like years past, was a huge success, but would not have been possible without the help of the community volunteers.

“Out of all the services the Matrix provides, the Community Christmas is one of my personal favorites. Not only does it provide gifts and smiles to children throughout the community at Christmas, it also pulls together the efforts of individuals, agencies, organizations and businesses all over the area,” said Matrix COC Executive Director Candy Nowling. “Without the support of so many, this program would not exist.”

Without the unselfish work of community volunteers, the event could not attain the success it has over the years. This year’s events were made possible through the help of 74 volunteers who gave over 600 hours of service including assisting with taking applications, toy drives, donation pickups, sorting gifts and the decorating and hosting of the Community Christmas Party.

If you would like to volunteer for next years event, or would like to assist with other Matrix COC programs throughout the year, you can complete the organizations Volunteer Form found at http://www.matrixcoc.org/volunteer.html.

About the Matrix Community Outreach Center

he Matrix Community Outreach Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the physical, mental and spiritual needs of men, women, and children; with an emphasis on special interest groups like the homeless, veterans, senior citizens and economically disadvantaged youth. The Matrix works directly with individuals, churches, businesses, agencies, and other organizations to bridge the gap between needs and resources. http://www.matrixcoc.org

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