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This year, the Riverview United Methodist Church is making it possible for residents to help those less fortunate through the church's Annual Holiday Event and Adopt-A-Tree program.
As part of its Annual Holiday Event, the members of the church will host a multitude of activities on Saturday, December 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Residents can listen to tunes while eating hot dogs and hamburgers, visiting a variety of craft vendors and having a picture taken with Santa with the first picture being free. Through the church's Adopt-A-Tree program, residents can make a difference in the life of someone a little less fortunate this year by making a donation of $39, the price of the tree. A tree will then be donated to a family in need. Proceeds from the party and tree sales are planned to go towards church and community programs such as the church's RESTORE program which is currently helping an upwards of 40 families a week with clothing and food. Also, funds are distributed among scholarships for students, Sarasota's Mental Health Center stocking its food pantry and the Boy Scouts of America as well.
According to Vong Keovongsa, president of the Methodist Men Committee which organizes the tree lot sale, says, "The church holds this event each year to have an opportunity to connect with the community and to raise funds to support church and local community projects." Hoping to raise $10,000 for its programs, the church is also "Our hope is that we will raise at least this amount to continue to fund our community and church charity projects," adds Keovongsa.
Residents can visit the Christmas tree lot until December 16, Monday-Friday, 12 Noon-8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 1-6 p.m. The trees range in price from $39 to $99 for trees from five to 10 ft. tall.
According to Secretary Beverly Plett, "Nothing is more special than hand-picking your own Christmas tree and there are plenty to choose from at the Riverview United Methodist Church Christmas tree lot," located at 8002 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview. For more information, call 349-5646 or 727-9108 or go to www.riverviewflumc.org.
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