Church, school to offer Manatee migrants merry Christmas

By MAURA POSSLEY

As lights are strung, wreaths hung and carols sung, some are reaching out for essentials this holiday season.

Donations are being sought by faith-based groups and others this holiday season for Manatee County's migrant community.

Kingdom Life Christian Church is seeking new and like-new toys and clothing for its annual migrant outreach.

The church plans to host a 10 a.m. service in Spanish today at Palmetto's Taylor & Fulton Packing house.

"I just really want to bring out the value of their lives in the eyes of God and his kingdom," said the Rev. Don Sturiano.

The service - attended by upward of 200 migrants last year - will be followed by a barbecue lunch and distribution of donations to migrant families, he said.

Toy donations will be accepted through this morning at the packinghouse, 932 Fifth Ave. W.

"Most of them don't make very much money," Sturiano said. "Our motive is to really see souls saved and lives changed."

Beginning on Monday, donations of blankets are being sought by students at Nolan Middle School.

It is the school's second blanket drive for the migrant community, said teacher Mike Garland. The idea came from students seeking to give back to their fellow migrant students, he said.

"They feel it's important because it's a part of their community," Garland said. "It's something they can do to help."

Donations would be collected throughout next week at the school, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd. at Lakewood Ranch.

"These are people who they share the community with," Garland said of Nolan students. "I think everyone enjoys a warm blanket when the nights get cold."