Through packing, sorting and shipping, Charles Clegg, and his wife, Carol, are taking control of their brain health this holiday season. The pair, who’ve been married for nearly five decades, recently started carving out a new venture in their lives: hand-making children’s toys.

“I have 908 cars that I gave to different churches in the area,” recalled Mr. Clegg.

Mr. Clegg, affectionately known as Bum, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 by our founder, Dr. Jonathan Liss. Mr. Clegg soon took Dr. Liss’ advice to keep his mind active and relayed it to his hands.

Mr. Clegg shared, “Most people, it gets depressing when you get Alzheimer’s.” “But don’t give up. Keep working. Find you a hobby. Do something,” he advised.

And less than a year later, hundreds Mr. Clegg’s toys are being packed in Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse and will be sent around the world to share the gift of joy and the gospel with less fortunate children.

Cathy Driver, Area Coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child explained, “So, what we pack and we feel like are simple things like stuffed animals, toys, hygiene items, school supplies; those are going to be used by local pastors to share the good news.”

Once they leave Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix City, the gift boxes are shipped to more than 100 countries and can be tracked online; complete, this year, with a hand-made car, truck or bus that’s been autographed by the artisan himself.

“So many people that needs a little hope,” Mr. Clegg said. “But this is their hope because Dr. Liss is working on a medicine now – hopefully, before long, Alzheimer’s will be a thing in the past.”

Giving more than one reason to be grateful this holiday season.