Merry & Bright

"Merry and Bright" is a community-wide effort that provides Christmas assistance to Benton students and their families. Last year's inaugural event served a little under 250 households, and this year, we already have over 500 students pre-registered for assistance. The effort involves Benton school district counselors, the Bright Futures organization, City of Benton personnel, numerous local churches and businesses, and countless individuals.

On Nov 2nd, community members can pick up "Panther tags" from Benton's River Center, and each tag has a coded wish list that retains student anonymity. Shoppers are requested to honor the wish list requests (and additional notes of sizes, colors, interests) and to spend around $100-150 per child to maintain an equitable experience for all. Shoppers bring new, unused gifts--marked with the tag's code--to Benton City Hall on/before Dec 4th. Then on Sat, Dec 12th at FBC-Benton, an adult representative of the household checks in at their assigned time; is paired with a "holiday greeter" that remains with them through a series of stations; picks up information about community resources; is given a full stocking for each child in the household; receives the gifts that have been purchased for their child(ren); is guided to a gift wrapping station with materials and helping hands; receives a box of food commodities; and is prayed for before they leave.

For individuals who want to be involved with the event, your support is appreciated in pulling a Panther tag at the River Center to shop for a student, serving on Sat, Dec 12th in one of a variety of roles, sharing about the opportunity with your place of business and friend circles, and in praying for the Gospel-centered conversations that will take place that day and in the follow-up.