Volunteers from Faith Community Church deliver hundreds of gifts for needy children to Project Just Because, as PJB founder/president Cherylann Lambert Walsh (second from right) looks on.
PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

As we head into the holiday season, there are reminders that not everyone has the means to celebrate the same way. But thanks to Faith Community Church’s Families Helping Families program and Project Just Because, some 600 children in the area will enjoy donated gifts this Christmas.

“It’s our small way to help our community,” said resident Sang Hwang, who serves on the planning committee. “Some of the recipients are people in our congregation [which, in addition to Hopkinton, includes a church in Framingham]. People are really engaged, all ages. It really puts things in perspective for everyone.”

The program, in its third year, stemmed from Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which the East Main Street church started in 2020 to help with grocery supplies during the COVID pandemic. FCC’s senior pastor, Mike Laurence, connected church members with PJB founder/president Cherylann Lambert Walsh.

“Mike grew up in poverty. His mother did everything she could to make ends meet,” Hwang shared. “So, this touches him to the core, because he remembers when his mother could not provide gifts.”

With their pastor providing inspiration, the members went to work. In addition to Hwang, planning committee members included Margie Sellman, Sharon Setor, Carol Mitchell, Jim Tracy, Kathy Lee and Brett Walker.

They set their sights on helping as many children as possible.

“PJB delivers gifts to 6,000 kids in our community,” Hwang said. “To see our contribution scratch only 10% of that is humbling, something our people take to heart. They know what it’s like. This project is very special.”

PJB supplied the church with a wish list for each child. Some children specified which gifts they would like, while others identified their interests or hobbies. Organizers then put out the call to the congregation for help buying 3-5 gifts per child.

“When people sign up, they can see profiles of children and they can either purchase gifts themselves or donate money,” Hwang said. “Sponsors could select a family, and they purchase items on the wish list and bring them back to the church. We’ll package it and deliver it. About 5%-10% of the sponsors will give cash donations, and we’ll assign shoppers to go and take care of the families.”

Organizers initially were short of their goal when they put out a final plea in early November.

“At the last minute, a couple of generous members heeded the call and delivered a couple of checks,” Hwang said. “We raised $6,000 that last Sunday to ensure we could take care of all the kids. Every child has been sponsored, and any money left over we donate directly to PJB to further their cause. It’s so amazing, people just stepped up.”

On Nov. 19, the planning committee packaged the gifts, loaded them in a truck and delivered them to PJB’s warehouse on South Street.

Recipients are anonymous, but they are invited to a Christmas service at the church, and, according to Hwang, many take them up on the offer. Either way, the program is something in which the congregation takes great pride.

“Here’s a practical need in the community,” Hwang said. “And you’d be surprised who needs help. We have people in the congregation who benefit.”

Added Laurence: “As a congregation, we are always looking to help our neighbors irrespective of their faith, background or traditions. Every day I am inspired by the generosity of our church community.”

Walsh noted that PJB will continue to provide assistance for people in the region, but as Christmas gets closer, the focus will be on Hopkinton residents. Local requests can be made until the offices close Dec. 19 for the holiday break. Visit projectjustbecause.org for more information.

Kilduff departs chamber

Tim Kilduff recently announced that he is stepping down as executive director of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce to focus his efforts on the International Marathon Center and the 26.2 Foundation, for which he serves as president.

“After too many years of commitment and service to count, the time has come for [Kilduff] to step down from his role with us and shift his focus 100% to his passion project, the 26.2 Foundation, and bringing the International Marathon Center to life,” the chamber stated in its newsletter.

Kilduff told our Nick Schofield that “the chamber’s in good hands” with the “quality people” on the board of directors.

Meanwhile, he’ll focus on raising funds for the center, which is expected to cost around $30 million.

“There’s only so much time in a day,” he said.

Trails Club offers Black Friday option

The Hopkinton Trails Club is resuming its Black Friday walk, an opportunity for individuals and families to get out of the house and take in nature rather than fighting the crowds at the mall.

“It’s a great opportunity to get away from your annoying relatives … oh, sorry … to show your beloved relatives the beauty of Hopkinton’s open spaces!” joked the event organizers. “We used to lead these walks annually for several years, and they were always a popular and welcome pause in the hectic holiday season. It’s time to restart the tradition.”

The easy, family-friendly walk will take place at the Hughes Farm Trail at 192 Hayden Rowe Street. It starts at 10 a.m. on Nov. 29. Visit hopkintontrailsclub.com for details.