See special Nativity display on Dec. 4
A Cairo native who started a holiday tradition in Atlanta, is bringing it to South Georgia for the first time this Sunday. “No Room at the Inn” will feature a collection of Nativity scenes and Crèches from all over the world, according to its organizer, Lib Wight Quirk.
The Nativity display will be open for viewing on Sunday, Dec. 4, in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church from noon until 5 p.m. There is no charge to attend, however donations may be made to local outreach projects or the Billie S. Been Foundation.
Quirk started “No Room at the Inn” in December 2000 after she and friend Billie Been read a magazine article detailing a similar event in California started by two friends who raised money for the homeless in their area.
Mrs. Been and Quirk started No Room at the Inn in Atlanta and raised more than $5,000 in two years for local homeless victims. However, in June 2003, Mrs. Been died after a courageous battle with cancer. Ever since, Mrs. Quirk has held “No room at the Inn” in memory of her friend, accepting voluntary donations to local homeless shelters and the Billie S. Been Foundation.
The Foundation has provided financial support to youth ministries, cancer research and education, but is now solely focused on fully funding a one-of-a-kind weekend Family Bereavement Camp in Atlanta. The camp is for families who have recently lost a family member and is run by Hospice Atlanta at Camp Twin Lakes. Each year the camp serves about 30 families, offering fellowship, fun and support in a beautiful and comfortable setting.
Mrs. Quirk is opening up the Cairo version of “No Room at the Inn” to anyone who would like to display their Nativity set. Those interested in sharing their Nativities for the day-long event should contact the Methodist Church office at (229)377-3051, or Beth Wight at (229)377-1932.
“‘No Room at the Inn’ will offer fellowship and a unique Advent activity to enjoy for local families,” states Mrs. Quirk, “thanks to Beth and John Wight, and the Cairo First United Methodist Church for their help and for hosting ‘No Room at the Inn.’ Please come see the Nativities. Merry Christmas!”
Lib Quirk is the daughter of Beth and John Wight.