Christmas cheer went out to 56 families in the Bluffton school district, thanks to efforts of the Bluffton Community Assistance Program's "Adopt A Family" program. Volunteer donors provided gifts, food and essential items to the families being assisted by the program. 

The Christmas gathering of items took place on Dec. 15 at the St. John's United Church of Christ, which is the home of the Community Assistance Program food pantry. The program's co-directors Jami Crawfis and Sarah Shank told The Icon earlier this month: “We have a record number of families signed up to be ‘adopted’ for Christmas this year.” 

The photo accompanying this story shows some of the volunteers with many of the gifts provided this year.

Watch for a video to be posted soon.