Friends,

As we approach the holiday season, I know that many of you are looking forward to spending more time with family and friends. 

I know Dayle and I are excited about time spent with our sons, daughters-in-law, and, of course, our grandchildren. 

Our grandchildren are blessed to know that, on Christmas morning, they will wake up with presents under the tree, but across Georgia, many families are not sure what they will find on Christmas morning. 

Each year, Dayle and I look for opportunities to share with those in our community who may need a helping hand.

Clark’s Christmas Kids

The over 8,000 foster children in our state are not always as certain about whether they will receive Christmas presents. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services has partnered with Clark Howard and WSB Radio for three decades to ensure that every Georgia foster child has at least one gift on Christmas Day. 

In past years, shoppers have participated in live shopping events around the state, but everyone has the opportunity to participate online this year. 

This year’s efforts have been extraordinarily successful, reaching their goal of providing a gift for every foster child in Georgia. 

The work has already begun for next year, and if you would like to make a donation, you can visit www.ClarksChristmasKids.com. 

TMT Farms

Closer to home, TMT Farms is hosting a Christmas Lights Drive-Thru once again! TMT Farms is located at 16710 Old River Road North in Statesboro. There is no charge for admission to TMT Farms, but the Thompson family collects non-perishable food items, new unwrapped toys, and cash donations. 

They will also accept pet food and supplies to help area rescue centers. 

These donations will be distributed to needy families in Bulloch County and surrounding counties. The cash donations are used for gift cards for needy families as well. On December 22, Dayle and I, our children, and grandchildren are attending the TMT Farms Christmas Drive-Thru. 

We will be volunteering our time to help gather canned goods and other items for local families who need them, and we hope that we will see you there!

Loads of Love — Mizpah United Methodist Church

At Mizpah United Methodist Church in Kildare, our church members serve the homeless community in Savannah with Loads of Love, a program designed to launder the clothes and bedding of the homeless at a laundromat.  

On a regular basis, a group from the church travels to Savannah and visits the homeless camps there. It costs around $20 to wash and dry one load of clothing! Every donation goes toward providing this service to the people who need it.  

The church members also provide a warm meal to those who would like to participate. If you would like to support this ministry, you can send donations of detergent or cash donations to Loads of Love at Mizpah United Methodist Church, 122 Mizpah Road, Clyo, GA 31303. 

Undoubtedly, there are many ways to support others in your community with love during the Christmas season.  

These are just a few ideas to spark your giving spirit! As always, if you have any feedback, do not hesitate to call (404.656.5052), email, or engage on Facebook. 

If you would like to receive email updates, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter or email me.

Jon Burns represents District 159 in the Georgia General Assembly, where he serves as the House majority leader.