About The Christmas Store

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The Christmas Store is a “department store” where families in need of help in providing gifts for their children can “shop” for Christmas presents for their children.

It literally looks like a beautifully decorated and merchandised store. When the family arrives, they first have their family holiday portrait made, courtesy of MasterColor Photography. Many of these families have never had such a portrait made before!

Those with younger children then proceed to our Early Childhood Center, where they will leave their children. The children will be entertained by a ballet that depicts the story of Christ’s birth, and have an opportunity to make a Christmas present for their parents and other crafts as well as have a snack. Meanwhile, the parents enter the store to shop. Each family is asked to make a $1 donation to help support the ministry and pay for wrapping paper and beverages, etc.

Once the family has checked in, they are partnered with a personal shopper who assists them as they shop. Each family receives the following for each child in their family:
a pair of jeans,
a sweater or sweatshirt,
a t-shirt,
a toy,
a book, and
a coat, hoodie, or pajamas.

Of course, they get to decide which item they want to select in each product category. All of their items are then gift wrapped.

While that is happening, they can enjoy a hot beverage and a cookie or visit with a member of the prayer team. One of our Reindeer Runners then assists them in putting their packages in their car and retrieving their children.

All of this takes about an hour and a half, and is filled with opportunities for conversations, fun, and laughter, which fills the store along with happy tearful smiles and many warm hugs.

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