FOLEY — With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to Christmas. That thought evokes visions of Yuletide sweet treats, Christmas carols, colorfully-wrapped presents, mile-long wish lists and the joy that comes from witnessing the happiness of a child who has just received that special something under the tree.

But not everyone in South Baldwin can make that happen. That’s where Christmas Sharing comes in. Christmas Sharing is an annual program sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries Inc., that provides Christmas gifts to South Baldwin youngsters who might otherwise go without.

According to Pam Meredith of Ecumenical Ministries, Christmas Sharing started in 1985 and has since grown in and around both Foley and Fairhope, as the county population has increased.

“We currently have 300 families signed up, so far,” she said in a phone interview, explaining that the number of children signed up this year exceeds 700. “That’s the most we’ve ever had.”

That means Christmas gifts will be provided for more than 700 South Baldwin children, from infant to age 13 this year.

“But if you qualified for the program with an older child, say you had a 10, 13 and 15-year-old, we took the 15-year-old also,” Meredith said.

But South Baldwin’s older residents won’t be forgotten.

“Our organization also does this for the homebound elderly,” Meredith said.

Those recipients are identified by referrals from existing county programs and organization already serving them, such as Meals on Wheels.

“Then they give the home-healthcare worker a wish list,” Meredith said, “Particularly sizes, because a lot of it’s clothing items.”

But additional items on those lists include books.

In addition, Christmas Sharing will provide meals for recipients that includes “a food box that will include a Christmas meat,” Meredith said.

South Baldwin residents can be part of Christmas Sharing in a number of ways. One is by adopting a family of children by selecting a Christmas Angel from the Ecumenical Ministries office, located at 102 W. Spruce Ave., in Foley. Other locations include The Foley Onlooker office, located at 217 N. McKenzie St., in Foley.

“Usually, on our angels, we list several items,” Meredith said, explaining that the total monetary value of gifts each child receives is $6, while $40 is spent on elderly recipients.

Once participants get an angel, they purchase the items on the wish list and bring them, without wrapping them in gift paper, back to The Onlooker by Dec. 14. Those selecting an angel at Ecumenical Ministries or other location should bring the items to Foley United Methodist Church on Dec. 17.

Not wanting to brave the bustling store traffic but still want to help? Just select the angel and provide Ecumenical Ministries with the $60 needed to purchase the gifts and a volunteer will do the shopping.

“We don’t ask anybody to do any more than that,” Meredith said.

The items will then discreetly make their way to the families in complete confidentiality.

“And the children don’t have to know where the presents came from,” Meredith said.

For more information about Christmas Sharing, call the South Baldwin office of Ecumenical Ministries at 251-943-3452 or email emifoley@gulftel.com. To find out more about available angels at The Foley Onlooker, call 251-943-2151.