This past week I visited with two volunteers, both have driven courtesy carts for The Lights of Christmas Festival for many years.

The first volunteer told me of a grandmother arriving on the public bus with her two grandchildren on the last night of the event, just before 5:00pm. “I only have an hour!” she told the cart driver. “I promised them they could ride the train! Can you take us there?” The train wasn’t running yet, but the suggestion of pony rides brought delight, followed by Bruce the Spruce the talking Christmas tree, donuts and more. Each stop the driver would leave them, serve someone else and come back to take them to the next stop, culminating with the hoped for train ride on the Warm Beach Express before meeting the bus just in time. The grandmother was beyond grateful for this gift to her grandchildren.

The second volunteer cart driver told of a man escorting his elderly mother. “Could you drive her around to see the lights?” the man asked. “She can’t walk very well.” The elderly woman was filled with joy as they drove, admiring the lights and displays. When they were ready to leave, the son turned to the driver, “Thank you. My mom has been given three months to live and you just gave her the best Christmas gift of her life.” We both had tears in our eyes by the time he was done telling me the story, praising the Lord together for the opportunity to be His hands and feet to the thousands who come to The Lights of Christmas each year.

Volunteers – You make a difference in people’s lives! Whether it is driving a courtesy cart, parking cars, or cleaning the bathroom – what you do matters. Thank you for serving Jesus with us.

-Jeannie Patterson
Charitable Gift Planner
Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center