6C • DEC. 29, 2023
COMMUNITY
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Serving families in need: Chimneys of Hope provides more than just gifts an absolute blast,” said House of Hope’s Director of Services Alex Sprinkle. “The event is such a sweet opportunity to serve families in need. For the past two years, we have created a toy store for parents to shop. The space is set up to provide an experience for parents to sift through the toys and pick the perfect gifts for their children. Each child would receive three gifts and two stocking stuffers. Once they select their gifts, the team wraps and labels the toys before the parents leave. The event has two parts. While the parents are shopping, the children are in the Kids’ Zone. They made Volunteers wrap gifts for families at the House of Hope’s Chimneys Christmas cards, decorated of Hope event. (Special to Branson Globe) stockings and created ornaBY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer a hand-up by allowing them ments. Snacks and hot coBranson’s House of Hope to shop for holiday gifts for coa were available for famirecently held their second their children during a fun- lies to enjoy.” Chimneys of Hope was annual Chimneys of Hope filled Christmas celebration. “Chimneys of Hope was designed to create lasting event, offering area families
memories that far outweigh the anxiety, stress and grief that can creep in during the holiday season. “Families who needed a little assistance this Christmas season were encouraged to apply,” noted Sprinkle. “Last year we had 50 kids attend the event. This year we had 32 families with 130 kids attend the event. As you can imagine, the need around the holidays increases significantly, and we were thankful for the opportunity to love on so many more families.” Parents made their selections from a wide variety of incredible gifts. Said Sprinkle, “We were so blessed with the generosity of our community. As parents were shopping, volunteers and staff could see the excitement build as they found gifts that each of their children would love!
Many expressed excitement with the selection and condition of the toys. This was the first time several of the kids received new toys for Christmas. There seemed to be an obvious burden lifted off so many families. They were incredibly thankful for the event!” The Chimneys of Hope event not only blessed the parents but also the volunteers and staff members. Said House of Hope volunteer Carla Perry, “Seeing the love of Jesus poured out in the community was my favorite. Folks from all sorts of different places, businesses, nonprofits and professionals all came together to love others and help. The laughter of the children and seeing them smile was another great treat! Sign me up for next year!” House of Hope office administrator Andrew Kissing-
er added, “Chimneys of Hope was an incredible event. It shows what happens when people from all walks of life come together for the good of others.” Sprinkle shared a touching story that she witnessed. “At the beginning of the event, a family met with Santa. They shared about how difficult life is at this point in time,” said Sprinkle. “Before leaving, she asked Santa and Mrs. Claus if she could pray with them. She thanked the Lord for their kindness and for spending their time bringing Christmas cheer. After she closed, Santa prayed over the family. He prayed that the family would know the joy of Christmas is never too far.” Sprinkle continued, “That is true. The joy of Christmas as the peace Christ brings is never far!”
theater box office for tickets and more information. Grand Country Music Hall is known for yearround entertainment. This venue features the best in country and comedy music.
Haygoods for a night of music and fun. The fabulous New Year’s Eve show will blow you away with amazing singing, dancing, antics, special effects and more. The Haygoods and Clay Cooper’s Country Express perform separately throughout the week, but join forces on New Year’s Eve for one amazing show. Contact the Clay Cooper Theater for tickets and more information. The Hughes Family will
be celebrating New Year’s Eve one night early with a special New Year’s Eve Show, a combination of all of the family’s popular productions, along with food, beverages and lots of fun on December 30. The New Year’s Eve show features selections for the Hughes Music Show, Hughes Brothers’ Christmas Show, Hughes Brothers’ Country and ReVibe in one three-hour event, complete with lots of surprises. An added bonus? The
Hughes Brothers Christmas Show will continue after the New Year with shows on selected dates the first week of January. Contact the Hughes Brothers Theater for more details. There are many other New Year’s Eve events for all ages and tastes happening throughout Branson. Contact the venue of your choice for complete details. Have a fun and festive New Year’s Eve!
• NEW YEAR’S EVE
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in Concert will be joined by special guests SIX for this holiday extravaganza to ring in the New Year. Contact the
The Grand Jubilee, featuring New South, is one of the area’s top-rated shows. Shows continue this week and into January, with a special production set for New Year’s Eve. Contact the Grand Country Music Hall, via phone or on their website for tickets and more details. Two shows combine for one unforgettable New Year’s Eve event when Clay Cooper’s Country Express teams up with the
Elevate Branson issues its 2023 in review Submitted to Branson Globe Happy New Year from your friends at Elevate Branson. With your support in 2023, we saw countless lives changed, hope restored, and potential actu-
alized. In 2023 alone: 85% of Elevate Work graduates are employed full-time. Elevate Connections provided over 8,000 assistances to our neighbors needing forms of ID or connections to additional resources. Nearly 70 individuals
gained access to affordable transportation. As we look to the New Year and continue to invest in our neighbors in our community, we ask that you consider including Elevate Branson in your endof- year giving. Through partnerships like yours, we expand the Kingdom to
make room for those on the fringes in our community – empowering them with opportunities to pursue a life reflective of their inherent value, keeping their dignity intact and using the power of life-giving relationships to foster community and equip our neighbors with the support system they need to thrive. To join our mission and help elevate our community, please go to https://elevatebranson.org/donate/
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Don’t miss the 2023 edition of The Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show, featuring Carrie Anne Mitchell and Shelley Carroll-Drew, at their new location, Premier Dance Academy at Turkey Creek Junction in Hollister, and streaming live on Facebook, Tik Tok, and Instagram, every Thursday at 11:15 am. Our 2023 live talk show season is all about marketing, promoting and advertising everything about Branson & the surrounding Ozarks area, done from a unique 2-person, local perspective, with a fun, positive spin.
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Brought to you by our sponsors: Affordable Insulation Service, After Market Mushrooms, Bliss Gas Services, The Branson Show Awards, The Consignment Clothing Exchange, El Lago On 248, Flaming Margaritas, Gaga For Glitter, The Great Passion Play, Isom Hunt, King’s Castle Theatre, The Krafty Kitty Farm, LKS Lawncare, MarieZ, METAGOLF, Michele’s Floral & Gifts, Mintex Appliance Service, The Nashville Roadhouse Theater, Pizza World Mt. Branson, Premier Dance Academy, SignsNow, Sunfest Market, Sweet Shack, Tequila’s, and Wrangler’s Star Studded Honky Tonk. Contact Carrie @ 573-795-1921, or Shelley @ 417-593-9815 to find out how to become a sponsor.