By Clint Shockney
The Church of the Vine in Van Buren hosted a chili and hotdog supper on Oct. 31 to raise money for the upcoming Little Town of Christmas event.
The supper took place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church’s fellowship hall during the town’s trick-or-treat hours.
Guests gave donations to support the third annual Little Town of Christmas, set for Dec. 6 and 7 in downtown Van Buren.
Pastor of The Church of the Vine Brad Hensley said he started the Little Town of Christmas in 2021. This year it will include events such as a live nativity, horse and sleigh rides and other activities for families in the community.
He said that the idea came from a need for a community event during the holidays.
“This is a way to get people together and share the Christmas story,” Hensley said.
He also said the funds raised at the supper will help pay for the Little Town of Christmas and provide gifts for local families in need.
“We don’t push any agenda. It’s about serving the community,” Hensley said.
Linda Long, a member of the Little Town of Christmas planning team, said the supper was a success.
“The funds help buy gifts for kids who might not get any otherwise,” Long said.
She said any extra funds will go to a program at Eastbrook North Elementary School.
The school sends food packs home with kids on weekends if they do not have enough to eat.
Long also organizes the horse and sleigh rides for The Little Town of Christmas event.
“We’ve done this for three years now, and it keeps growing,” Long said.
Van Buren resident Sarah Neville attended the supper. She said she appreciates the free-will donation setup where people can give if they want to.
“Some people can’t pay, and that’s okay. Those who can, do,” Neville said.
Neville also attended the Little Town of Christmas last year and enjoyed the event’s activities.
“We saw and enjoyed the live Nativity and all the Christmas decorations,” she said.
Pastor Hensley said he hopes even more people will come to this year’s Little Town of Christmas.
“It’s about bringing people together and building community,” Hensley said.
Emily Bontrager 
Emily Lamb