Day 7

“Officials Christmas”

A group of athletic officials met for lunch for years. This group of Sioux Falls sports officials do all sorts of things together. Once we decided one year that we could help needy families at Christmas. So, we donated funds, and for many years now have assisted people that are in need. A local charity helps us identify the families that we will help. We got seven families last year (33 kids!) and we purchased gifts for under their Christmas trees. Each family also gets groceries and a turkey from Hy-Vee.

I go with others in the group and visit each family to get a better understanding of their needs and to make relationship. Sometimes we even have to buy a roasting pan for them so they can cook that turkey. Our group of officials always gets together later to evaluate and celebrate the Christmas spirit.

Dean Mann