Lots of happy faces could be seen this morning at Curry's Community Outreach Ministries Christmas Party & Bike Giveaway in Prescott. This is the fifth year in a row that Curry's has held the holiday event and the kiddos were thrilled to receive bikes and presents for Christmas.

Families, first, had some tasty treats as they listened to Christmas music and chatted with fellow members of the community, while the children prepared for the bike giveaway. Pastor Ivory Curry said this part of the event was just as important as the gifts. "Unity in the community, the friendships and relationships you build, are so very important, and it starts with the children," Curry said. "The children have fellowship here that carries on after the event; hopefully, they are building friendships that last a lifetime. So we want to make sure they get plenty of food, they talk and befriend each other, and then everyone gets a gift. Community starts with the children."

After the party portion of the event settled, the drawings for bikes and presents began. The excitement was evident on each child's face as his or her number was called and the time to select a gift had arrived. Every child at the party took home a gift for Christmas.

Curry said the event is made possible by proceeds from the annual awards program/banquet and generous donations of fellow citizens. He said many contributed. "The ladies from Prescott Elementary, Casa Carlos, Jacob Brown, Chester Craven, the Curry's family, Curry's Enterprises, Jeff Newton, and Farmers Bank & Trust are just a few on the list of those who donate gifts, money, time, or services to bring a smile to a child's face," Curry said.

One such gracious citizen was present today. Leslie Hughes had over 200 hats, headbands, keychains, and other items that she personally crocheted over the last few years. "Ivory Curry told me about today [the Christmas Party] so I thought the kids might want a homemade hat or headband to take home," Hughes said. When asked how she ever found the time to craft so very many lovely items, her response was simple, but oh so true, "It was a long pandemic."

As they party wound down and kids with arms full of gifts began to meander outside, Curry could be heard saying, "It was a good day." SWARK.Today asked Curry about the motivation and inspiration behind this annual event. "The children... to see the smiles on their faces," he said. "We just hope to do as much as we can, to help as many as we can, for as long as we can."