Richardson church serves 325 disadvantaged families

Three Trees at The Heights brightens season for those in need

Heights_Christmas_3 — Richard Covington, community minister; with Kelly Wills and John Wills, executive pastor at The Heights

(Richardson) Christmas was a little brighter in hundreds of North Texas households thanks to the generosity of members at The Heights Baptist Church.

More than 1,000 volunteers threw a Christmas party for 325 disadvantaged families Dec. 11.

Heights_Christmas_1 — Toys were stacked several feet high, filling the stage and stretching across the front of The Heights' 2,500-seat sanctuary.

“Three Trees addresses specific needs for each child while helping the whole family,” explained Richard Covington, community minister at The Heights.

“Each child received a new toy and a $20 gift certificate to buy new shoes. Then, each family got a $40 gift card to buy their Christmas dinner. All total, our church members donated $65,000 worth of toys, gift cards and cash to fund this community outreach. More than 1,000 members volunteered to serve during the annual event,” Covington said.

Heights_Christmas_25 — It's time for snacks and crafts at The Heights.

When families arrived, the children were separated by age and led to classrooms around the church for snacks, crafts and entertainment.

Meanwhile, parents were paired with a host family, who led them into the Worship Center to select a toy for each of their children. Thousands of toys were stacked several feet high, filling the stage and stretching across the front of the 2,500-seat sanctuary.

Heights_Christmas_16 — The older children enjoy a little friendly competition.

After selecting gifts for their kids, parents relaxed with cookies and hot cocoa while volunteers wrapped the presents.

Heights_Christmas_24 — Volunteers help sort and wrap gifts.

“We are called to serve our neighbors,” Covington concluded. “We don’t just reach out once a year to give them Christmas presents. We are engaged with our community throughout the year. Many of our church members mentor students at Bukhair Elementary in Richardson ISD. We also help with special events like Math and Science night and their spring carnival.”

The Heights Baptist Church is located at Renner Road and US 75 in Richardson.

In addition to a traditional Sunday service at 9:15 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:50 a.m. in the Worship Center, the church offers a Spanish-language service Sundays at 10:50 a.m. in the Chapel.