DHS giveaway, religious Web site separated

El Paso County may have tiptoed to the line separating church and state in promoting a Christmas giveaway the Department of Human Services is hosting for its clients with the help of an evangelical group.

In a news release, the county cited the Music Evangelism Foundation's Web site as a source of information for the "Feed the Children - The Best Christmas Ever" giveaway on Dec. 13.

Run by Jamall Badry, the Springs-based MEF strives "to spread the Gospel among the unchurched ...."

The event is sponsored by the MEF, DHS and Goodwill Industries. New Life Church, donated $15,000, and Whole Foods, $4,000. Oklahoma City-based Feed the Children provides truckloads of food, but MEF pays to transport it from Oklahoma City, Badry said.

The group's Web site said, "God is still on the throne and is working in our behalf to change the world one person at a time. As we bring 2008 to a close with ‘The Best Christmas Ever' will you pray with us in gratitude to all who have given and to the Lord for being with us as we share the greatest gift of all ~ Jesus."

The purpose of the event, from 9 a.m. to noon at 105 N. Spruce St., is to hand out four truckloads of food, personal care items, coats, caps, gloves, mittens, toys and children's books to families in need.
Music, food and a visit from Santa also are on tap.

After The Gazette questioned whether all DHS clients are Christian, the county reissued the news release minus the MEF's Web address and instead referring donors to the county's site, www.elpasoco.com, for drop-off information.

"I'm sure that DHS clients include a broad range of faiths and non-believers similar to what we would see in the general population," county spokesman Dave Rose said in an e-mail.

DHS Director Barbara Drake said MEF takes the lead, and DHS, along with other nonprofits, identifies those in need.

"This is about getting food to people who are hungry," she said.
Badry said his group has never proselytized at the event in its eight-year history.

"We're not allowed to," he said. "The law says we can't even give them a Bible unless they ask for it. It's strictly a nondenominational thing. We just want to help these people have a little better Christmas, especially the children.

"I don't think anyone who would attend would be offended in any way," Badry said, noting he's never received a complaint about evangelizing.

Groff Schroeder, president of Freethinkers of Colorado Springs, said his group doesn't have a problem with the event as long as there is no praying, proselytizing or religious songs.

"However," he added in an e-mail, "it is ironic that if the county's countless Christian churches paid taxes as their ancient writings appear to teach, the Department of Human Services probably would not need donations to provide these services. Practical religious equality exists only when government avoids any appearance of religious preference."

County Commissioner Sallie Clark praised the program in the news release as a way the county partners with nonprofits.

For information on the event and donation sites, call 444-5532.