Residents prove 'tis better to give
BY SCOTT PAGE Gulf Breeze News Scott@gulfbreezenews.com

Neighbors from Pins Lane sponsored a needy child by donating money, purchasing presents and preparing a Christmas feast for the family.

One Gulf Breeze resident truly believes in the old Christmas saying "it's better to give than receive." Preston Pittman, a member of the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, is fighting an extremely tough battle with throat cancer; however, he has somehow found the strength to think of others this holiday season.

The GBUMC makes holiday wishes come true for children in needy families with its Advent Angels program. Advent Angels gives caring and able participants the opportunity to sponsor a needy child by buying gifts from their Christmas list that they would otherwise have no chance of receiving.

The problem is that most people are struggling to afford gifts for members of their own families, so they often do not have the means to sponsor a child on their own. Pittman, a teacher at Myrtle Grove Elementary School in Pensacola, came up with a solution to that problem this year.

He realized that it would be more affordable to sponsor all the kids if people reached out to one another and joined forces. What he had in mind was finding a few neighbors, a business or just a group of friends to team up and sponsor a child. Dolores Pittman, Preston's wife of over 30 years, has helped him with his effort.

Preston Pittman begins wrapping gifts designated for a needy child.

"We were overwhelmed with the response from our neighbors," Mrs. Pittman said. "You wouldn't believe how compassionate and kind people are. Every one of our neighbors who were invited to join the effort gave at least $10."

That is exactly what Mr. Pittman had in mind when he introduced the idea of a joint effort to sponsor a child. Though most of us cannot spare $100 during the holidays, almost all of us can find an extra $10 to help a child in need.

It seems that Mr. Pittman's effort to ensure a joyful Christmas for all has been a success. All of the Advent Angels have been sponsored this year, and that includes about 550 underprivileged children and seniors.

What is most impressive about Mr. Pittman's dedication to others is the state of his own health. He is dealing with a life threatening illness, but has still been inspired to place the wellbeing of others ahead of his own.

"I am amazed that he can always think of others," Mrs. Pittman said. "This point in his life has inspired me so much. He is my hero, and I am so proud that I married him."

The Pittmans, along with their neighbors, sponsored a young girl this year. "I met her grandmother by chance," Mr. Pittman said. "She said she thought it was going to be a hard Christmas this year, and I said, 'no it's not. I will make sure of it.'"

The Pittmans hosted a gift wrapping party and chili supper for most of the neighbors who participated in the angel project.

Dolores asked the group, "Do you want to do this again next year?" and the crowd answered with a resounding, "YES!" She also issued a challenge for other neighborhoods, social groups or businesses to pool their resources and help a child at Christmas.