Shemilah Outreach Center hosts third Christmas giveaway

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Shemilah Outreach Center in Decatur hosted their 3rd Annual Christmas Giveaway Tuesday night.

The center's goal was to provide Christmas gifts to children that have been affected by gun violence in the area.

"I know the pain and you can never really bring back the loved one," Shemuel Sanders, Founder of the center, said. "That pain is going to be there, but you can comfort them and let them know that they're not alone."

Sanders lost his daughter to gun violence, so he decided to start a place bearing her name that could help others going through a similar situation.

"I just couldn't imagine what they were going through [before]. I couldn't. Then it happened to me," Sanders said. "We have to do something. And I felt that I had to do something and I just believe this is the calling of my life. So, I just accepted it. I didn't want it, but I accepted it."

The goal that Sanders had set for himself was to have enough gifts for 50 families. After receiving a plethora of donations, Sanders expects 75 families or more.

Sanders said, ""I love this community. They always come together. We come together no matter what."

Brian Wofford of Storage Masters donated more than 30 bikes himself.

"[Sanders is] doing enough for 20 people, so you can't do a little bit to help someone struggling this hard to really help our kids that are in need," Wofford asked. "It's a need it's not a want. You need to help him."