Volunteers spend Christmas spreading holiday blessings

STEUBENVILLE -- A foggy Christmas morning didn't stop the Friendship Room Santa from visiting the homes of children to deliver them gifts they may otherwise not have received.

Bill and Molly McGovern started the Friendship Room more than five years ago, dedicating themselves to serving those in need in downtown Steubenville.

Molly McGovern said arrangements were made for Santa to come into the living rooms of the children's homes in public-housing complexes and other houses in the downtown area early Christmas morning.

"How magical is that to wake up at 5 a.m. and see Santa in your living room?" she said.

The gifts included bicycles, clothing and other items.

The Friendship Room volunteers spent Christmas Eve traveling to homes, providing Christmas trees and filled stockings, McGovern said.

The volunteers ended Christmas Day by going to Catherine's Care Center at 717 N. Sixth St. McGovern said Santa and the volunteers go to each patient's room, singing Christmas carols, holding the hand of the patient and talking to them about their life and past Christmas traditions. The patients were also given a throw blanket as a gift.

McGovern admits the trip to Catherine's Care Center leaves her a crying mess, because it touches the hearts of the most forgotten at the holidays.

"Thanks to the community for making Christmas magical for the most forgotten," she said. "We go to the lonely, sick and dying and give them a gift."

All of the gifts presented by the Friendship Room were provided by individuals, businesses and churches, McGovern said.

"We are just the hands that distribute (the gifts)," McGovern said.

The Friendship Room has given groceries to more than a hundred families this Christmas season. In addition, the Friendship Room continues to give away scarves, hats, gloves and coats to the less fortunate and homeless throughout the winter months. There is a food pantry on the porch of the Friendship Room at 419 Logan St., and hot meals are provided inside.

The Friendship Room is a house of hospitality providing help to the those less fortunate and living on the streets by giving them a cup of coffee and talk, meals, a place to laugh and cry and help in giving them the self-dignity to rise above the life they are currently living, according to the McGoverns.

The McGoverns now operate three houses, including a safe house to protect victims of human trafficking.

The house on Logan Street serves as their mission house, known as the Friendship Room.

McGovern said they depend on the generosity of people who donate money, items and their time in helping the poor.

(Law can be contacted at mlaw@heraldstaronline.com)