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Treat for less fortunate was gift that Franklin girl requested, helped fund

By CHRIS JONES
Staff Writer

Christmas is nearing, but Lauren Dixon of Franklin says she doesn't want gifts like most kids her age.

Instead, the 12-year-old told her parents she wanted to treat some homeless men to a night on the town to make them feel special at least once.

"I was praying one day, and God just laid it on my heart," said Lauren, who took part of her savings and money she raised from a bake sale at church to fund her venture — a project costing her more than $3,000.

"We baked cookies for three days," said Lauren's mother, Terri Dixon. "We sold out in one service."

The Campus for Human Development selected 10 homeless men for Lauren's treat.

"They just told us that they had something special for us," said Kenneth Edmondson, 44, who was randomly chosen.

Lauren, her family and some fellow church members took the fellows out Wednesday night.

The group first went to Famous Dave's restaurant in Cool Springs for a hearty barbecue meal. They all sat around and shared best Christmas memory stories. Most of the men said they didn't have one.

After the meal, the group loaded into a stretch Ford Excursion limo and headed for the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center to look at Christmas decorations.

"I can't believe this is happening," said Gerald Simmons, 46, who kept pinching himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. "I'll never forget this night."

During the ride, the group sang familiar Christmas carols, like Jingle Bells and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Lauren also gave the men each a silver band she called a kingship ring.

"It's symbolic of us all being sons and daughters of the God," she said. "I wanted them all to know that they're special and they are kings."

Lauren said God gave her the vision for her good deed after she and a cousin stopped one spring night to feed a homeless man. It was a common act for Lauren. For the past two years she had been working with the citywide Room in the Inn program, which houses many of the city's homeless during winter months.

When Lauren first told her parents her plans, they thought she was teasing. About a month ago, when she mentioned it again, they realized she was serious.

"God gave her this vision, and we're just following her lead," said Lauren's dad, Gary Dixon.

"Just to see them smile makes it worthwhile," her mother said. "It's about treating and making them feel special. … Bottom line, we're all equal in God's eyes and we just want to let them know that they're loved."

When the men returned to the shelter, each was given a book bag filled with gifts such as phone and food gift cards, cologne, thermal underwear, watches and other goodies.

Lauren said she was overwhelmed with how everything turned out.

"I just feel really blessed right now," she said.

Although it was a Christmas wish fulfilled for her, the men said the evening really touched their hearts.

"It's a wonderful thing," Simmons said. "It's almost like that movie. What is it called?"

Lauren looked over at Simmons and smiled.

"A Wonderful Life," she said. "Yeah, it's a wonderful life."