Dec. 22 — BEMIDJI — In a little Bemidji apartment twinkling with holiday lights, children and families in the Ridgeway neighborhood had the chance to choose gifts for their loved ones and celebrate the holiday season. The event was hosted on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings by the volunteer organization Neighborhood Connections, formerly Ridgeway Neighborhood Initiative, and it allowed children to pick out gifts for their parents, siblings and other family members free of charge. “It’s a blessing,” one elderly resident shared. “It helps a lot of people at Christmastime when they don’t have the money to spend.” Upon entering the apartment, which serves as Neighborhood Connections’ base of operations, residents were met with lights, Christmas trees and tables practically overflowing…
