Excitement is in the air and the preparations for the fifth annual Project Luke Dinner are well under way. The dinner will be held this year on Dec. 19 at the EAC Activity Center. Over the past four years, through the generous gifts and donations by local businesses, churches and fellow community members, the Christmases of several hundred families have been blessed.

Project Luke is inspired and founded on the scripture found in Luke 14:12-14: "Then Jesus said to his host, 'When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.' " For four years, Project Luke has provided needy families from our community with a special Christmas dinner, an evening of entertainment, nice clothing especially for the event and gifts bought specifically for each guest. This has only been possible due to generous gifts of finances, new toys and presents, and because of the time donated by community churches, businesses in the Gila Valley and individuals helping to make a difference.

An open invitation is extended to any and all who are able to continue supporting the project with donations of money, nice clothing (adult and child sizes) for the event, and unwrapped gifts for the children and parents. All items can be donated at New Life City Church (928-428-4384), which is located across from the Graham County Fairgrounds on Highway 191. The church office is open from 9am-12pm, Monday-Thursday for drop-offs or, if needed, call to arrange for items to be picked up. Clothing is being collected at the Angel's Closet Clothing Bank located on the corner of Sixth Ave and 12th Street in Safford on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This year is a celebration of not only being able to continue Project Luke for a fifth year to reach out to community families but to continue to express thanks and gratitude to all persons, groups, organizations, churches and businesses that have joined in to make this year's Project Luke and each of the previous four projects such a blessing to so many families.