Businessman Rallies Christmas Spirit in Easley

A chance encounter 10 years ago connected an Easley business owner with a local organization in need of his Christmas spirit.

When Michael Hedrick asked his two sons, Harley and Branham, and daughter Blake what they wanted to do one night almost a decade ago, they told him they wanted to go bowling — an activity that was out of the ordinary for the family.

"It was strange, we never went bowling," Hedrick said.

While Hedrick and his three children were bowling, he noticed the group of children next to him and how well they were getting along. Hedrick began speaking with the adult with the group and learned they were from one of Miracle Hill Ministries' shelters for children. 

Miracle Hill Ministries provides food and shelter for over 600 homeless men women and children in the Upstate. The non-profit organization also provides transitional housing and apartments for struggling families.

By the time they were through bowling, Hedrick invited the group to his restaurant, Michael's Pizzeria for a pizza dinner. 

"We got to talking and I asked what they were doing for Christmas," Hedrick said. That's when a new tradition began for Hedrick's family and the children at Miracle Hill Ministries.

Each year since then, Hedrick has thrown a pizza party for the children and spent months prior soliciting donations from the community to help the shelter and the children.

Hedrick collects necessary items for the home like brooms, appliances, or lawn equipment. He also displays a Christmas tree at the pizza shop where individuals and families can "adopt" a child from the Miracle Hill home and surprise them with a Christmas present.

"This is Christmas is for us," Hedrick said. "We don't do Christmas at the house like that, this is what Christmas is supposed to be about."

The presents for the children has always been the easier one to get accomplished, but the items needed to keep the home running has always been a challenge.

"People don't get the warm fuzzy feeling buying a Crock-Pot or a leaf rack," Hedrick said. "But this is the stuff they need to keep operating all year."

In recent years the economy has had a noticeable impact on the donations Hedrick has been able to collect. While many people feel stressed out during the holidays, it's usually for very different reasons. For Hedrick, it's about making sure the children at Miracle Hill have what they need.

"Last year I was about to go to the bank and take out a small loan," Hedrick said.

This year, there's still a significant amount of items on the list that need to be purchased and Hedrick is working hard to make sure their needs are met.

For most of us, such a large task during an already stressful season might be too much to take on. 

"It wasn't choice for me really, if something falls in your lap like that you go with it," Hedrick said.

Anyone interested in contributing to the Miracle Hill Ministries Christmas wish list should contact Michael's Pizzeria at 855-0025. The Christmas party will be held at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. 

The following items are still needed:

• Swivel 360 rechargeable broom                       
• Lap top cushions                                    
• Husband cushions
• Hanging shoe holders                                        
• Kitchen mixer                                        
• NIV bibles
• Small shop vac                                                 
• Water proof pillow protectors                
• XXL Crock Pot (3)
• Set of Chronicles of Narnia books                       
• Wii games (rated E)                               
• Christian music CD’s
• Craft kits (i.e., paint by number)                           
• XXL family griddle                                   
• 50-gallon trash can with wheels (3)
• Gift cards (bowling, movie theater, restaurants)      
• Commercial mop                                             
• Large lockable tool box                          
• Canister vacuum cleaner
• Indoor soft bristled brooms                               
• Locking 2 drawer filing cabinet               
• Drinking glasses or tumblers
• Camcorder                                                       
• Coffee machine (3)                                
• Stainless steel cookie sheets
• Juicer                                                               
• Wii game & controllers                          
• Table top fryer
• Xl toaster oven                                                 
• Batteries (lots)                                       
• Baseball stuff (gloves bats balls)
• Percussion instruments                                                                          
• Shrubbery trimmers                                          
• Alarm clocks (no radios)                      
• Sprayers for weeds and bugs (3)
• Laundry hampers                                              
• Electric can openers (3)                         
• Outdoor welcome mats (10)
• 13 gallon kitchen trash can
• Microwave   
• Water proof mattress covers (twin & twin xlong)