Christmas In Action is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that, in partnership with the community, repairs homes of low-income elderly and/or disabled homeowners by putting Christian values and principles into action. Formerly called Christmas in April, Christmas In Action first came into thought in 1972 when Bobby Trimble was teaching his young men's Sunday school class at Alamo Heights Baptist Church f
rom James 2:14-17. At first the repairs were small, such as repairing gates, furnaces, and evaporative coolers, but they soon developed into larger projects carried on throughout the year and into the summer of 1973.
1974 - The program officially took the name Christmas in April
1976 - Trimble set up the first CIA Board of Directors
1981 - Trimble was presented with the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer service, which launched the program into national recognition
1982 - Trimble was nominated by the Texas Governor's wife for the President's Volunteer in Action Award, and was presented with the award by President Ronald Regan at the White House in April. CIA continued to receive inquiries about the program from cities throughout the country and letters wondering how to start a CIA program in their own city.
1988 - The national program Christmas in April, USA was formed
1995 - After new property acquisitions and program expansions, Christmas in April began meeting emergency needs throughout the year and was able to perform tasks such as repairing heaters, sewer and gas lines, hot water heaters, wheelchair ramps, roofs, etc.
2000 - Christmas in April, USA voted to change its name, and having differing opinions on the matter, the Midland Board of Directors voted to resign from the national program and officially change their name to Christmas In Action. Since its inception, Christmas In Action has completed 11,148 projects. More than 50,000 volunteers have given their time and talents to help the elderly and disabled in our community. Thousands have given unselfishly from their wallets so that others may live in safety, warmth, and independence.