City Mission Society: The 2018 Christmas Shop – Share the Joy of the Season! – We are the First Congregational Church in Winchester

City Mission’s principle of Engagement is strongly felt in our annual Christmas Shop. Each year, we partner with local churches, businesses, and individuals who give gifts of time, talent, and treasure to families and children in need in the Boston area. Communities get involved in a number of ways: Churches organize congregation-wide gift drives, where clothing, toys, toiletries, and other necessities for vibrant living are collected. Youth groups and individuals come to the Christmas Shop to inventory, sort, and help prep for distribution the thousands of items we receive. Our Homelessness Prevention participants and community partners who work with the homeless receive the items, benefiting thousands of families each year.

In 2017, we collected and distributed more than 5,000 items to our partner agencies.

For decades, the Christmas Shop has served as a catalyst for people of faith to reach out to others. Imagine the Magi coming from the East to a family experiencing homelessness in Bethlehem. While the baby Jesus lay in a manger, he was presented with gifts fit for a king. We believe that all of God’s children deserve respect, love, and a gift to call their own this Christmas season. Through your help and support, the Christmas Shop brings hope and joy to those most in need during the holiday season.

How You Can Help

Donate Gifts

We provide gifts for people of all different ages, from young to old. We accept a range of gifts, including:

Winter coats, sweaters and sweatshirts
Hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves
Socks and underwear
Blankets and backpacks
Toys, books, and games for all ages
Gift cards from Target, Walgreens, Marshalls, CVS, Kohls or other merchants

We only accept NEW gifts. Why? A new gift sends a message of dignity and worth. Many people experiencing or on the verge of homelessness must make do with hand-me-downs from strangers. The Christmas season is a time for generosity, and we believe this generosity must extend to all of God’s children.

All gifts can be dropped off at First Church of Winchester (21 Church St, Winchester, MA) on Sunday December 2, 9, or 16. Please contact Ralph Watson in advance to coordinate a time.

Volunteer

Once we receive the donations, we need to make sure they get to the right place!
Volunteers are needed to help receive donations, organize, pack, and sort gifts. The Christmas shop is open for volunteers to help us sort in December. Please email Ralph Watson at RWatson@citymissionboston.org to find out more and get your church group, family or team signed up to help today. It’s never too early to get something on your calendar!