This year, Work-Study students took their involvement a step further by becoming honorary “elves.” Together, they distributed toys and brought smiles to the faces of over 50 children at a local elementary school. The Grinch even made a surprise appearance, adding a touch of fun and whimsy to the festivities. 

The holiday outreach didn’t stop there. The GMC-Valdosta team visited local businesses and first responders, sharing Christmas cards to express gratitude and spread cheer. “It’s always special to take a moment to let our community know how much GMC appreciates them,” said one participant.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt visit to the Samaritan’s Purse organization to thank them for their vital disaster relief efforts in Lowndes County and surrounding areas following Hurricane Helene.

Samaritan’s Purse, which quickly established operations in Lowndes County after the hurricane, has provided immense support to the region, completing over 3,110 work orders and logging 51,712 volunteer hours to date.

GMC families, like many in the area, have directly benefited from Samaritan’s Purse services, which include tree removal, roof tarping, and other recovery efforts. With over 1,914 volunteers from across the U.S., their mission of compassion continues, as 831 work orders remain in progress. 

“We were truly moved by the dedication and grace of the Samaritan’s Purse team,” shared one GMC representative. “It was a privilege to bring some Christmas cheer to the volunteers who have done so much for our community.”