A passion for giving

SANDUSKY — Victory Kitchen started preparing for its annual shoebox Christmas in July. Organizers knew this year was going to be big. "With what the world is facing through the economy, we knew this year was going to be different than any other year," Pastor Luke Walters said. "We knew the need was greater this year because of the amount of plates we serve." The nonprofit distributed presents to more than 1,200 children during its giveaway on Wednesday. The children received twice as many gifts compared to last year because about 4,000 gifts were prepared this year. Celebrating on Christmas Eve has special meaning to Walters. He recalled a past experience from when he was in the sixth grade. "What a lot of people don't know is that at one point in my life, we were homeless," he said. "Our house had burnt down on Christmas Eve. We were the family that didn't have a Christmas." God helped them overcome, he said. They eventually got a new home and were able to provide for themselves. The experience changed the family's mindset from focusing on themselves to helping others. Vehicles made their way through the drive-up event. This was the 34th year for the shoebox giveaway at Victory Kitchen. "It takes me back to the days when we had nothing, and now we're able to give it back," Walters said. The nonprofit still involves a lot of Walters' family, including many who were volunteering during the giveaway. They're carrying on the mission of his father, the late Lonnie Walters. "This is what keeps my family rolling," Walters said. "We work all year just to watch this day. It's our passion." Walters wanted families to leave the event feeling full of hope because God loves them. He was also grateful for the community's support. "We couldn't do any of this without this great community," Walters said. "We want to thank them for keeping our passion, keeping this place alive and making Victory Kitchen part of their family."