Gifts for new neighbors

Lutheran, The, Dec 2003 by Regal, Joan K

The ELCA-affiliated Southeast Asian Ministry's 4-year-old Christmas Friendship Program links people from the St. Paul-Minneapolis area to new Asian immigrants having a tough time during the holidays.

Last year 53 families (381 people) received Christmas gifts from 25 congregational and individual sponsors.

The level of involvement between sponsors and families varies. For some the gift delivery is a brief encounter. Other sponsors visit the family before purchasing presents, take members to pick out items, deliver the gifts, and then check up on the family throughout the year.

Many sponsors say the program moves them away from the commercialism of the season-away from giving gifts to those with little need-toward centering on the meaning of the season and giving to those in need.

Joan K. Regal

Regal is director of the Southeast Asian Ministry, Minneapolis.