The children of the Faithful and True Christian Center in Burtonsville understand what Christmas means to the community, and they didn't find out during story time.
In the church's business park location off Blackburn Road, there were no grinches or red-nosed reindeer, just dedicated kids stuffing stockings for less fortunate children from Country Place Apartments in Burtonsville.
"At any age, they can impact the community," said Kinta Jones, co-director of the church's Children's and Youth Ministry. "You don't have to be an adult."
Jones said at a time when people are focused on themselves, children can still learn about giving.
Raven Perry, 9, beamed about the handmade bookmarks she made for the visitors.
"It feels good because [giving back] helps people who don't have enough," said Perry, a Bowie resident. "I know it's important to help less fortunate people."
"It's about giving to others," said Aaron Carter, 8, of Beltsville.
The children had been up all morning, but remained enthused with the aid of breakfast and sweets. They were excited about the event long before, Jones said.
Not even the electronic allure of the Madden video game could keep 9-year-old Thomas Elliot from stuffing stockings.
"We can give things to [the less fortunate,]" said Elliot, also from Beltsville.
In addition to church members, Silver Spring business owners also pitched in: Leon Young of Fun Time Express, and William Braxton of W. R. Braxton Trash Service Inc. made donations.
Jones said community outreach is one of the church's goals. Finding a permanent home was another before last year.
Pastor A. Troy Harrison and his wife, Pastor Monica Harrison, founded the Faithful and True Christian Center in 1998. The first meeting took place at Argyle Middle School in Silver Spring with six members attending.
Then the Silver Spring school tour continued: Services were held at Westover, Georgian Forest and William T. Page elementary schools. But the idea of a permanent location for a multicultural church remained.
The church now occupies space in an expansive office complex. The office location may be fitting, since business has just begun for the Harrisons and the 82 church members; it's the first chapter of a large project, A. Troy Harrison said.
A TV program, a Christian academy and a housing development are some of the Harrisons' plans for the future. But to get there, A. Troy Harrison said it would take a substantial combination of sponsors and money.
"The heart of this ministry is greater than what we have [financially]," he said.
"We work within our means," Monica Harrison said. "Our mindset isn't that of a small church."
The church hosts activities including a quarterly Parents Day Out and an annual Valentine's Day Couples Dinner. Youth programs include "Fresh Fridays," where children can play games, listen to music and learn about the Bible every third Friday.
The Harrisons are looking at how other churches have flourished. Their church has received support from the Spirit of Faith Christian Center, A. Troy Harrison said. The center, founded in 1993, has locations in Brandywine, Ellicott City and Temple Hills.
"They're the church we look up to," Harrison said. "They're our pastors."
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