More than 200 people gathered Friday evening to take part n the time-honored tradition of Blanco Baptist Association’s annual Christmas party for the children living at South Texas Children’s Home Ministries (STCHM).

This year was extra special, as the association commemorated its 50th annual event.

The evening brought 19 churches from six counties to the home’s campus north of Beeville.

Participating churches each sponsored one or two children and church members arrived bearing gifts, food and Christmas goodies to share with the kids.

Everyone enjoyed games, Christmas carols and feasting as they got acquainted.

Robert Morales, STCHM development officer, said the children are always excited about the opportunity to visit with people in the community.

“Some of them have never been around anything like this,” added Mark Childs, STCHM’s vice president for childcare.

Students from STCHM performed a unique, visually dramatic skit to celebrate the season.

Jimmy Hudson of Skidmore, current Blanco Baptist Men director, attended his first Christmas party for STCHM in 1981, and he hasn’t missed one since.

“STCHM has always been an inspiration to me and my wife, Lori, especially as we became foster parents several years ago,” Hudson said. “The Children’s Home is a God-sent oasis in a world of desolation and dysfunction. To see the smiles on the kids’ faces and to gain a friendship with them is awesome.”

STCHM receives both state and privately placed children at their residential childcare campus in Beeville.

The home relies solely on the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and other organizations for funding.