A Richardson, Texas Baptist church is actively working to change the lives of those in need in their community.

The Heights Baptist Church gave away more than $30,000 in gift cards and more than 1,500 toys as part of their annual “Three Trees” event. The outreach is named after a sermon series from 8 years ago when the pastor discussed the importance of three trees in Jesus’ life: the wooden manger, the fishing boat, and the cross.

“We feel it is necessary to serve others as this is a pretty clear mandate in the Scripture,” Pastor Richard Covington told the Christian Post. “We cannot think of any other way to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior better than doing the very thing He did and that is to serve others. Serve is one of the four core values around here; worship, grow, serve and share. This is not just a one-off event.”

Every child at the outreach was given a new toy and $20 gift card to Payless Shoes. The parents of the child were given the option of a $40 gift card to Target or Wal-Mart.

“About eight years ago we asked a question,” Covington said. “If we cease to exist, would the community miss us? Not the people who come here every week, but the people who never step foot in?’ So we said, ‘No, not unless we serve.’ One of the best ways to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ is to serve.”

Several church members assisting with the outreach were former recipients of the church’s reflection of Christ. Cesar Popoca received the church’s gifts in 2007, 2008 and 2010 but now is a plumber who volunteers and gives to help families that are where he once had been.

“When I came the first, second and third time I wanted to be on the other side,” he told the Dallas Morning News. “I love to serve. I feel like I’m in the place I need to be.”