Giving Tree Ministry Supports Local Families

One of the favorite Christmas activities at First Baptist is the HOPE Giving Tree. FBCO partners with HOPE Ministries—a food pantry supported by several O’Fallon area churches, including First Baptist.

This ministry, begun in 1996, offers our members, classes, and church groups opportunities to help local families in need by providing them gifts and necessary household items. Since 1996, member Barb Bateman has organized FBCO’s HOPE Giving Tree participation.

To preserve family privacy numbered tree tags list the number of people in a family, each individual’s age and sex, and their gift wish lists. Some tags represent family household needs.

This year wrapped gifts and baskets of household goods are being collected through December 12. Items can be left in the West Lobby and should include the family number. All items will be delivered via HOPE food pantry prior to Christmas.

To learn more about the HOPE Giving Tree at FBCO, click here to read a story published in 2020 in the Missouri Baptist state paper—The Pathway.