Three years ago, the New Life City Church in Safford had a vision of brightening the Christmas holidays for needy families in the Gila Valley. Since then, the church has fed and given gifts to hundreds of people who wouldn’t have Christmas otherwise.

Inspired by scriptures in Luke 14:12-14, the church fed and entertained about 288 members of local needy families gathered Dec. 8 in the Eastern Arizona College Activity Center for an evening of entertainment, an elegant dinner and personalized gift-giving.

The New Life City Church sponsored the event, while Tina Gregg and Bonnie Rose were the main coordinators. “It is such a blessing to be a part of. So many people get so excited,” Gregg said.

Holding a stuffed bear that’s almost bigger than she is, this Gila Valley girl gives a big Christmas smile at the Project Luke dinner Saturday. Phot by Keri Lunt

Three to four months ago, Gregg and Rose found leaders to head up the different committees needed to get the project started. Committees focused on the things needed for the night, such as transportation for the families without, individual gifts, preparing and serving of the food and entertainment.

Those invited were seated at tables covered in linen cloth with individual name cards for everyone. The night started off with an opening prayer. Following the prayer, a three-course dinner was served.

After everyone was served, a children’s choir from the New Life City Church charmed the crowds with Christmas carols and hymns. An Elvis Presley impersonator riled up the crowd right before he introduced Santa Claus. Santa visited tables and wished everyone a “Merry Christmas” before he took his chair at the front.

Belinda Britt, a local school teacher, had children gathered at her feet as she told the Christmas story. Elves from the church gave Christmas stockings, each with the child’s name on it.

Throughout the night, door prizes were given away, and young winners, depending on their age, won teddy bears, wagons, tricycles and bicycles. Teens were given CD players. Adult winners received gift cards from numerous local stores, including Hibbett Sports, Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Those who had a special stamp on the back of their name card won a turkey.

To end the event, several elves brought out large bags of gifts wrapped and addressed for everyone who attended. Kids tore into their packages, and even the adults seemed to barely contain their excitement.

Though the event was scheduled to end at 8 p.m., it was still going strong at 9:30 p.m. because no one wanted to leave. Philip Tutor, the pastor at the New Life City Church, said another city in another state contacted him regarding Project Luke. He said the organization would like to expand Project Luke to its city.

“It’s amazing what a small community with a big vision can do,” Tutor said.

Gregg said the event is special because it helps bring Christmas to those who otherwise couldn’t afford the materialistic part of it.

Those who participated in Project Luke were selected from the local homeless shelter and suggested by the Catholic Church, Head Start, Blake Foundation and other local organizations who deal with needy people. The needy families were invited to the event.

Gregg thanked the churchs, businesses and individuals who took part in making Project Luke a success.