One Greene County church is continuing a holiday tradition, with some changes, due to the pandemic.
The First Presbyterian Church in Paton is hosting its annual Live Nativity, but as a Drive-In style event. The free event will be from 1-2pm on December 6th. In addition to the Live Nativity scene that attendees can see from the comfort of their vehicle, they can also donate a new, unwrapped toy. Organizer Avis Keasey says all toy donations will be given to the non-profit organization of Beauty Amidst the Ashes in Newell, Iowa, which is the third year of partnering with them. She points out that last year, they collected 50 toys and $700, and so far this year, they have $200 worth of toys.
Toy donations are accepted now until December 6th at any of the Presbyterian churches in the county, including Grand Junction and Jefferson. Keasey urges everyone to pre-register for the event by November 20th, as families will also receive an advent devotional, snacks and crafts for each child in the vehicle. However, she notes, people are not required to bring a toy to the Live Nativity Drive-In event on December 6th. Click the links below for more information.
Pre-registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSde1IBS1LyANbx-SjzGzPNwd3BC_REgnieVky_2e__9lEGFbg/viewform
Beauty Amidst the Ashes organization:
https://www.beautyamidsttheashes.com
A targeted toy list for the toy donations: