GREENSBORO -- Dozens of volunteers spread holiday cheer to inmates in the Guilford County Jail Monday.

"I am certain that it sucks to be incarcerated, or behind bars, during a holiday in which we want to be around family. So we just wanted to share some happiness and spread some joy to let them know that we love them and that they are not forgotten," said ministry volunteer, William Ferguson.

Volunteers, like Ferguson, have been giving out Christmas goody bags to the inmates for 20 years.

"People in the community understand the need for what we do,” said Guilford County Jail Ministry Chaplain Brian Burke. “They understand that people are in here and that they are lonely and want to celebrate Christmas. This is an opportunity to give them something -- a little sign of love and hope."

Ferguson said,  “The real reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Christ, and I just think it's right we let [the inmates] know there is someone out there who is much higher and stronger than us; carrying the weight they are currently and unfortunately experiencing."

This year, Mercy Hill Church packed close to 800 bags. They included an apple, a Christmas card, a snickers bar, some mints, and other items.  While the gesture is small, it makes a big impact.

"I have seen people cry,” said Burke. “I see a lot of people smile. And just for them to know that someone cares for them and that somebody loves them and they have a God that loves them, it has always gotten a really good response."

If you'd like to get involved with the jail ministry, you can call Chaplain Burke at 336-641-2748.