By Jon Gambrell
Enquirer contributor

HAMILTON - A group of Christian volunteers gave toys to Butler County families Wednesday.

Patricia Smith, center, smiles as Kimberly Noe, left, and Vicky Lawwill, of Women of Hope Ministries, place a Santa hat on her head. (Michael Snyder photo)

Volunteers from the Women of Hope Ministries and the Hope Evangelistic Outreach Center handed out 1,009 donated toys during a snowy Christmas Eve afternoon.

With church youth dancing and two women from St. Rita School for the Deaf "signing" Christmas carols, the group also gave coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts to the waiting families in front of the Butler County Courthouse.

"The toys are from Pater Avenue Church of God and many individuals," said Vicky Lawwill of Women of Hope Ministries. "We are here because Christ was a giver and I think we should give as well."

The group also gave away small versions of the King James Bible.

Bundled up for the cold and drinking a cup of coffee, Euvonda Martinez waited to receive gifts for her five children. She said the help was appreciated. Next to her, Kimberly Noe also waited for toys. The mother of three has four grandchildren

"They took time away from their families to be out here," Noe said. "I'm happy they came out in the cold to help our families."

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E-mail jgambrell@fuse.net