This year about 4,000 Cobb and Cherokee County children will have toys and books under the Christmas tree because of MUST Ministries. Friday was the last day for the organization's toy shop, a unique way to get gifts, to needy families.
What makes the MUST Ministries toy shop different is how it gives out donated toys to needy families at Christmas.
"If there's a child that's a little girl and we were doing it the traditional way, we would select a doll for her. Here, if mom knows she doesn't like dolls, or doesn't want a doll, she can pick something else for her child. She knows her child the best," said Paula Rigsby of MUST Ministries.
So every parent who signs up to be part of the program is matched with a volunteer and together, they pick out a toy for each child. They also select a stuffed animal, a blanket and a couple pieces of clothing. And that's not all. They also get three books, school supplies and a board game for the entire family.
The toy shop, which is open three weeks straight in December is a labor of love for workers, with an emphasis on love.
"Hearing the joys of everybody else and just knowing that Jesus has called you to share your life with other people, this is why we do it," said Rigsby.
MUST ministries also holds a secret Santa day, where children in the program get to pick out gifts for their parents.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:30:10 GMT
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:46:32 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:20:38 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:16:44 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
