The Wrightsville United Methodist Church youth group offered a helping of Christmas cheer to four local teenagers in foster care by buying each teenager every present he or she asked for this year.
Director of youth ministry Christina Norvell said the families of about 80 members of 4:12, the church’s youth group, bought $4,000 worth of gifts, spending approximately $1,000 per teenager and fulfilling all four holiday wish lists provided by the New Hanover County Department of Social Services.
As the monthly mission activity of the youth group, Norvell hoped the experience showed the teenagers the joy of giving to others, especially because many of their families have the means to help.
“Most of our kids are from very privileged families and we as a church, and as the youth director, are trying to get them to see other people who are less fortunate, to think outside their little box and get a bigger picture of the world,” Norvell said. “That’s really what Christmas is all about. That’s the true meaning of Christmas.”
Each wish list showed the interests and hobbies of the teenagers who created them, Norvell said. The group bought a skateboard and clothes from local shops like Annex Surf Supply and Surf City Surf Shop for one 17-year-old boy in foster care who loves surfing and skateboarding, and a new sewing machine with all the necessary accouterments for a 15-year-old girl who likes to sew. Norvell said the teenagers look forward to receiving the wish lists and shopping for their peers each year.
“It’s fun. The kids get into it and take it really seriously. They get them exactly what they want,” Norvell said.
The county social services department partnered with local organizations and individuals to provide Christmas gifts for 176 teenagers in foster care this year. Norvell said the Wrightsville youth group is one of few groups to buy the teenagers every item they asked for, which they have done for the last four years.
Norvell delivered the gifts to the county social services department Dec. 10.
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