Droves of families began forming a line outside the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center Dec. 11 as much as two hours before the Cathedral of Faith’s fifth annual holiday extravaganza was scheduled to begin.
Awaiting these lower-income children and their parents inside the doors was a complimentary holiday dinner as well as free winter jackets, gift-wrapped Christmas gifts, photographs with Santa Claus and a bag of groceries to take home.
Word has spread throughout South County since the church group’s humble beginnings—going from serving 30 people in their inaugural holiday giveaway in 2011 to more than 1,100 in 2015.
“I’m excited,” said Cathedral of Faith pastor Gary Palacios, as he walked through the community center prior to the opening, thanking his army of about 150 “I Love Morgan Hill” volunteers who make the event possible. “We’re well-prepared this year.”
It has become almost routine for Palacios and his team leaders who make everyone feel welcome from the minute they arrive until their night is over.
“It’s a miracle,” said lead organizer Josie Scott of the event that was set to distribute 1,600 toys, 300 jackets, 200 bags of groceries and priceless holiday cheer to the most needy of local families.
“It’s about sharing God’s love for those in need,” said Gilroy’s Larry Aparicio, a member of the church since 2009.
Through donations from local businesses such as Golden Eagle Mortgage Group, Intero Real Estate and Brethren Crossfit, as well as food from Martha’s Kitchen and Cathedral of Faith members, the event runs off a $15,000 budget.
“Gary emphasizes giving back to your community and love of our community,” said Brethren Crossfit owner and church-goer Lee Pappas who made a sizeable donation to purchase gifts for the children. “These guys need a little extra Christmas cheer. It’s fun to be with them and see their smiles.”
After filling out a registration form, including contact information and family size, attendees were served up a hot holiday meal—donated by San Jose-based Martha’s Kitchen—while being serenaded by soothing sounds from the church band in the city’s 4,030 square foot banquet room.
After dinner, families made their way to the “Elf Department,” where special gifts were passed out to the children and winter jackets were available in another room. The special night did not stop there, as photographs with Santa were available with free printouts.
Before exiting the center, grocery bags filled with staples and other goodies from the Second Harvest Food Bank were picked up by participating families.
“It’s like we’re Santa’s little helpers. That’s what we are,” said Palacios, whose Morgan Hill chapter has grown to more than 250 strong since it was established seven years ago as part of a much larger 12,000-member national movement. “It’s really about building community. Everyone is welcome.”
Coming in January 2016, Palacios plans to launch a Spanish church service to reach even more people and spread their message.
“We want to be an integral part of the community,” said retired San Jose Police Officer Robin Tokiwa, another Cathedral of Faith member. “We really hope to give them a place where they know they are cared about. The holiday season is a difficult time for some and we wanted to open our doors to them.”
All of the community outreach orchestrated by the Cathedral of Faith—from its family harvest food program, where a free dinner is served on the second Tuesday of each month, to Shirley’s Closet where warm coats are passed out, to its “Better Day for Village Avante” initiative that started shortly after a teenager died during a drive-by shooting—is run out of the Community and Cultural Center.
“It’s just nice seeing the families and their faces. They come in with such grateful hearts,” said the pastor’s wife, Jennifer Palacios, a kindergarten teacher at Crossroads Christian, as she filled drinks in the banquet hall. “We’ve lived in Morgan Hill for more than 20 years, so this is our heart. This is our community.”
Working hard preparing food back in the kitchen, team leader Lisa Ellis, of Morgan Hill, said it’s the smiles on the faces of all that pass by that make it all worthwhile.
“It’s a joy to be able to serve all of them,” said Ellis, a member of the local chapter of the Cathedral of Faith since its inception.
The feeling was mutual for volunteers Reyna Huerta and Melba Hernandez, both of Morgan Hill, who were heading up the volunteer check-in station. Huerta said coming from a big family they were always there for one another in moments of need.
“To me, it’s very rewarding to give back,” Huerta said.
Hernandez added, “I think this is wonderful….God is good.”
Cathedral of Faith Morgan Hill Campus
Martha’s Kitchen
Reaching Out
Golden Eagle Mortgage
Intero Real Estate Morgan Hill
Brethren Crossfit
Shelton Pipe
First American Title
Let’s Concrete
WalMart Morgan Hill
