Georgia Volunteers Wrap 1,500 Gifts for Kids in Need

A team of 20 volunteers spent their December wrapping 1,500 Christmas gifts, ensuring that 400 children in Baldwin County, Georgia, woke up to joy on Christmas morning.

The gift wrapping project, part of the Kids Yule Love toy drive run by Baldwin County Fire Rescue, has been bringing Christmas to less fortunate children for 12 years. Each child received three wrapped presents chosen specifically for them, with names provided by the Department of Children Services and school counselors.

Deputy Chief Sheri Kneip, who has led the program for 12 years, says the volunteers make it all possible. "They are simply wonderful," she told The Union-Recorder.

Retired elementary teacher Nelanie McAfee has wrapped gifts every December since 2018. She started when her former husband worked part-time for the fire department, and she's been recruiting friends ever since.

"I really feel we are put on earth to help each other," McAfee said. "I can easily say that wrapping those gifts is my favorite part of the Christmas season."

What makes this effort even more special is the care behind each package. McAfee and her team pray over the gifts as they wrap, hoping the children who open them will feel the love poured into every fold and bow.

The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners recently honored the volunteers with certificates of appreciation at a county meeting. Several volunteers attended to accept recognition for their compassion and dedication.

Sunny's Take

Dylan Amerson, a county firefighter and school board member, watched the program's impact firsthand. He says without Kids Yule Love, these 400 children would have received far fewer gifts, if any at all.

The program keeps growing thanks to generous community members who stop by fire headquarters with donations. Some even redirect money from their own Christmas shopping to help less fortunate families celebrate.

Fire Chief Phil Adams says he hopes the tradition continues for many years to come. For McAfee and the other volunteers, it already feels like the best part of their year.

"We just pray that those children who open those gifts feel the love and joy that we poured into them," McAfee said.

This Christmas, 400 children in Baldwin County did just that.