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This is the 38th year of the St. Nicholas Ministry to needy children and their families, along with elderly persons in Lavaca County, an ecumenical ministry founded by a local pastor, the Rev. Herb Beyer. It grew from a handful of families to nearly 500 persons being provided with boxes of food, new toys for children, vouchers for purchases of additional food at an area grocery store, blankets and other items.
Over the 38 years of this ministry, thousands of persons have been helped. For many years, gifts have been distributed on the second Saturday in December at the Lillie Appelt Johnson Youth Center in Hallettsville.
There are numerous groups that have offered their support through the years, including Lutheran Men and Women organizations, Catholic Mothers, Knights of Columbus, the KJZT Society, and others associated with area churches. Adults and students from our schools have been involved in preparations for the annual distribution.
Pastor Beyer said, “There are so many persons associated with our parochial and public schools, a variety of churches, numerous businesses, and helping agencies and other volunteers that make the St. Nicholas Ministry possible. Some of the youth who began serving several years ago are now adults themselves, and they bring their children and in some cases grandchildren to join in our efforts. Our work together communicates to the needy and struggling that there are those who care. Inflation and higher prices have made it more difficult for those who struggle to get by. We are grateful for the generosity of financial gifts and donations of food, toys and other items for those most in need. Thank you!”
Several years ago, others in communities of Fayette and Colorado Counties joined in similar efforts and established another branch of the St. Nicholas Ministry with its distribution of gifts at the central location of Faith Lutheran Church in Weimar later in December.
