"For I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow" (Jeremiah 31: 13b).

So many times, Christians must ask themselves, "How best can I give glory to the Father?" This is also true for companies whose mission includes serving God. Beneath the surface, a company is really comprised of people. As we celebrate Christ's birth and are reminded of the promise of salvation, employees of our company, too, asks ourselves this same question.

During the holiday season, the employees at Alpha Omega Publications often come together, reaching out to the community, acting as the hands and feet of Jesus to bring comfort and joy in His name.

• Bears for the Brave - Donations of new and gently used stuffed animals have turned the lobbies in our Iowa and Arizona offices into zoos. Through Childhelp Children's Center of Arizona, the menagerie will be distributed to children in need for care and cuddling.
• Angel Tree - This Christmas, AOP is sponsoring a number of families in need. Employees can choose an ornament from the tree that describes one member of each family and donate a wrapped gift specifically for that person.
• Food Drive - By collecting non-perishable food items and donating them to local agencies for distribution, the staff hopes to help make the holidays a little more festive for needy families.
• Matthew's Helping Hands - Through a series of fundraising events including a tamale sale, employees hope to initiate and fund malignant rhabdoid tumor research through this foundation by an employee whose family was affected by this serious illness.
• Wear Jeans, Help Families - For just a dollar a day, employees can ease into the season by adopting a casual dress code that includes denim. Donations will benefit services in the area that meet critical needs of families throughout the year.
• SnoLyons 6th Annual Ice Race - AOP has donated $1000 to this race, hosted by the SnoLyons, a non-profit snowmobile club. Proceeds from this event, held in Rock Rapids, Iowa, benefit children with spina bifida and a variety of local service organizations. Racing teams come from as far as Alaska to compete

With fundraising and community outreach programs during the Christmas season and throughout the year, the employees of Alpha Omega Publications are able to do God's work here on earth, bringing a little comfort and smiles to the faces of the less fortunate.

Do you sponsor community outreach in your area? Share the details and your success by leaving a comment below. Merry Christmas.