A Christmas tradition that brings smiles to children who normally would not have a Christmas is ramping up.
    Since the founding of the Morgan Jayne Project, volunteers and
 supporters have stepped up to help fill the Annual Christmas Wish
 list for families served by Familias Saludables in Roatan. And every year they literally pull off a miracle.  
    This year they are hoping to do it sooner and in a more streamlined way. The Christmas Miracle wish list has just been released and there are 37 families listed. Their requests are humble and heartbreaking.
    The description of the very first family on the list reads, “This little family struggles daily to find enough food. They live in a shack someone has given them with no water or power. Mom cooks outside on a wood stove. The two girls were sponsored for school so get free breakfast every morning which has helped a little, Jasmy is an 8 year old girl, she wants a crying baby doll and play dishes. She is a size 6 and a size 5 in shoes. (We see these often in children who are nutritionally deprived, their feet keep growing when their body does not), her sister Norma is a 5 year old girl, and she wants a baby doll, play dishes or a purse for Christmas. She is a size 4 with a size 4 in shoes. Their little brother Edgardo is a 4-year-old boy; he wants a big car, candies or a soccer ball for Christmas. He is a size 4 with a size 5 in shoes.”
    Every year the Morgan Jayne Project supporters have been able to fill the list and then some.

The Christmas Wish list for the Morgan Jayne Project has been released and already locals are stepping up to support families in the Roatan by filling Christmas wishes.

    Founder of the Morgan Jayne Project, Fred Makowecki said they are making a few changes to make it easier on the committed volunteers who work hard to make the miracle come true.
    He explains that  most years the support is overwhelming and it is difficult to keep track of who has selected which family, with requests coming in person, over Facebook or through the phone.  This year they have an email address xmasmiracle2013@gmail.com, and would like to use it as a point of contact for those who have questions, or are willing to sponsor a family or volunteer. They ask that supporters use this and also leave their contact information.
    “Logistically it comes from 15 different directions, we need one central place or we get lost,” said Makowecki. 
    The list of families is on the Morgan Jayne Project Facebook site at www.morganjayneproject.com.
    The project has shipped about “14 tons of happiness” in the last six years and it has been a momentous task. This year they hope to make it a little easier on its base. Rather than making a couple giant shipments, they hope to spread out the work over the next month and make more, smaller shipments. This will make it easier on its volunteer core.
    Funds for shipping are always appreciated and needed to make the miracle come true. Makowecki said the absolute last day for shipping is October 31, all items must be out the door by then.
    Keep watching the Morgan Jayne Project sites for volunteer opportunities and other information as the effort toward the Christmas Miracle progresses.

    Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and sharing. There are many in the community who may not have friends near, or are away from home during the holidays.
    The Salvation Army is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday at the Badlands Community Facility. The church has hosted the special eventfor many years and have had great attendance each year.
    “It is a fantastic time to be together, and I also think that sometimes holiday seasons are lonely if you don’t have family or people to visit,” said Lt. Laurie Sauder. “It’s an opportunity to be around friends and enjoy the special holiday together, enjoy fellowship and some good food.”
    The event relies on a great team of volunteers to present the meal. This year, Cenovus has come back to the table to sponsor the dinner. The Salvation Army is grateful for the company’s support. “They really help us out with this,” said Sauder.
    Doors open for The Salvation Army Thanksgiving. Dinner at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 13 at the Badlands Community Facility. The host asks that those wishing to attend please RSVP by calling 403-823-2215.
    Rides or delivery may be arranged in advance.

The Salvation Army and Cenovus are continuing a tradition hosting Thanksgiving Dinner this Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. at the Badlands Community Facility.