Annual Christmas Store

The Redeemer Christmas Store has become such a staple in the community that we hardly have to advertise it. In fact, it's been around longer that Pastor Kelly (who has been here 17 years!) Everyone just seems to know the second Saturday in December is a day of truly beautiful generosity. This year's Christmas Store featured 163 individual child shoppers (ages 5-12), over 85  volunteers, and more than 1,000 presents! Beyond some particularly abundant donations from our partner congregations, this year's event featured a special bonus for the parents and guardians – free massages and refreshments at Health Commons in the Living Room! Numerous adults took part in this treat while their children shopped.
Each child was able to "buy" presents for for different family members or friends. Present only cost a quarter, though in reality they were worth much more than that. A volunteer "elf" took the child shopping through the store which was laid out amongst the top floor of the church. They then took the child to the wrapping station where volunteers helped them wrap and label each present. Afterwards, the child got to bundle all their presents up into a bag, and enjoy cookie decorating and a hotdog lunch with their families. All in all, it's amazing to watch the hundreds of people come together to give so much to this event. It's a wonder that the church doesn't literally burst open with generosity! At a time when folks can feel pressured materially and socially by the season, what a beautiful way to honor true Christmas spirit.