Christmas Store 2002
The donated Christmas tree, all 9 feet of it twinkling with over two thousand white lights, dominated the room. Small stuffed animals were tucked into its branches and over 100 larger stuffed toys were piled around its skirted trunk. Tables, covered in red and green, faced each other from opposite sides of the room and were laden with new toys, games and clothing for children from infants to early teens. A gift wrap station filled with colorful paper and bows, tape and scissors stood ready. LINC volunteers who had arrived before 7:30 a.m. on this Saturday morning before Christmas wandered about the large room putting on the finishing touches, anxious for the invited shoppers to arrive. As they waited, they gathered in a circle for prayer, that this activity would be a visible reminder to the people of God’s love and His gift to us of a Savior.
Across the courtyard, in the narthex of the church, children’s videos of The Christmas Story were shown, and juice boxes and cookies were available for snacking for that parents could make their selections without prying eyes. A couple of volunteer grandfathers hosted this activity.
At 9 a.m. the doors were open to the first eager customers who had waited patiently for this unique shopping experience. They each held an invitation with coupons attached, one for each of their children. The stream of shoppers lasted well passed the closing time of 12 noon. These parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles had come regularly to Centro de Fe y Esperanza Lutheran Church for ESL classes and had been invited to come to this special Christmas Store to select a toy and clothing item for each child in their family. Volunteers helped direct them to the age-appropriate area for their selections and then pointed them to the wrapping area where the gifts were wrapped and tagged for Christmas giving.
As the groups of shoppers left with their bags of wrapped surprises, they spent time in a devotion and prayer with Pastor Luciano, Pastor at Centro de Fe. They were invited to participate in Christmas services there; and during this time with Pastor Luciano, they shared stories of lay-offs from work, family illnesses, and other financial difficulties that had made gift-giving for this Christmas unlikely. The knowledge of the generosity of others brought tears to the eyes of many.
Thank you to all who donated toys, clothing, and money so that the Christmas Store, first envisioned by a Care Group from St. Timothy Lutheran Church, became a reality. The participation of many made it possible.
While helping others enjoy the gift of giving was one motivation, as always the main purpose was to share God’s love and particularly the unique gift of Himself in the gift of His Son, Jesus.
Across the courtyard, in the narthex of the church, children’s videos of The Christmas Story were shown, and juice boxes and cookies were available for snacking for that parents could make their selections without prying eyes. A couple of volunteer grandfathers hosted this activity.
At 9 a.m. the doors were open to the first eager customers who had waited patiently for this unique shopping experience. They each held an invitation with coupons attached, one for each of their children. The stream of shoppers lasted well passed the closing time of 12 noon. These parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles had come regularly to Centro de Fe y Esperanza Lutheran Church for ESL classes and had been invited to come to this special Christmas Store to select a toy and clothing item for each child in their family. Volunteers helped direct them to the age-appropriate area for their selections and then pointed them to the wrapping area where the gifts were wrapped and tagged for Christmas giving.
As the groups of shoppers left with their bags of wrapped surprises, they spent time in a devotion and prayer with Pastor Luciano, Pastor at Centro de Fe. They were invited to participate in Christmas services there; and during this time with Pastor Luciano, they shared stories of lay-offs from work, family illnesses, and other financial difficulties that had made gift-giving for this Christmas unlikely. The knowledge of the generosity of others brought tears to the eyes of many.
Thank you to all who donated toys, clothing, and money so that the Christmas Store, first envisioned by a Care Group from St. Timothy Lutheran Church, became a reality. The participation of many made it possible.
While helping others enjoy the gift of giving was one motivation, as always the main purpose was to share God’s love and particularly the unique gift of Himself in the gift of His Son, Jesus.
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