Christmas is a time to spend with family.

And when family can’t be there, the holiday season can be a struggle.

But 71 children from 37 families with parents currently incarcerated in the Warren County Jail had a slightly brighter Christmas as a result of the Warren County Prison Ministry and the joint effort of several area churches.

Called “Christmas in the County,” the project results in the purchase of Christmas gifts for the children of incarcerated parents, followed by a Christmas party where those families can come together.

The various churches were given the name of a child, a want, a need, their age and their favorite color.

The party was held on Dec. 17 at Warren Alliance Church and seven churches were involved — Church of God (Warren), Clarendon Trinity United Methodist, First United Methodist of Youngsville, Ludlow Mission Covenant, The Harbor, Warren Alliance and Youngsville Evangelical United Methodist.

The party included gifts, games, crafts and cookies.

“The party seems appreciated by all, but especially the kids and caregivers,” Chaplain Marcus Briggs said.

And while blessing inmate’s children is an important part of the jail ministry, it’s also the tip of the iceberg.

“Often they (inmates) are dealing with brokenness at many levels and things we all deal with,” Briggs said, “education, healthy relationships, good role models, positive self esteem, meaningful productive lifestyles, employment, hobbies, hope, love.

“As I see it after only a few months as chaplain, hope and self esteem are two of the most needed needs. Both of these are addressed naturally and powerfully in the Prison Ministry.”

Briggs spoke about the importance of “long term friendships and responsible and mutual caring” as a significant factor in “bringing healing and help for the long term. With the many political wars and world crises, we may often feel helpless but we all can make a difference if we will love and care for one needy soul at a time that we find in our sphere of influence.”

Briggs said that anyone who wants to get involved in the ministry can do so through prayer or financial contributions mailed to Warren County Prison Ministry, PO Box 373, Warren. He added that a board member or the chaplain would be available to speak at churches or organizations that might be interested in additional information.