• Friday, November 16, 2012

The Christmas Store exists to provide new toys at Christmas to children in low-income families by engaging volunteers in meaningful community service.

Following the instructions of Jesus, the Community Christmas Store is designed to help families in this area who are in need during the holidays. There are many families who do not have adequate resources to purchase gifts for their children at Christmas time. They find themselves struggling just to “make ends meet” with the necessities of life. Additionally, there are many other people in this area who have abundant resources. They find themselves wanting to help their neighbors, but do not know what the need is or how to help. The purpose of the Community Christmas Store is to bring these two groups together.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the store take place?
The Community Christmas Store will take place November 14-16, 2012.

Where does the store take place?
The Community Christmas Store is hosted by Campbell University in Carter Gym.

Who benefits from the store?
Families are referred to the Community Christmas Store by Harnett County agencies and churches. Throughout the year, these organizations work with people who are in crisis situations resulting from a lack of resources. They will refer families with children 0 - 16 years of age to come to the Community Christmas Store. School counselors from local schools will also refer families they know to be in need during the holiday season. The Community Christmas Store operates on a referral basis only.  Registration will begin mid-September.

What will the store look like?
The Community Christmas Store is hosted by Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. Each family receives an appointment time upon registration, and has an opportunity to “shop” at the store free of charge on that day and time. When they arrive, they will be greeted by volunteers and treated to holiday music and refreshments. Free child care is provided for those who bring their children. The children will visit with Santa’s helpers, hear the Christmas story, and enjoy crafts, snacks and games.

Meanwhile, the parents/grandparents  will speak with a volunteer, and will be given an opportunity to select 3-4 gifts for each child registered. The store is divided into age groups, making it easier to make toy selections. Volunteers are available to assist parents/grandparents in finding that special item. Once the parents/grandparents  have finished shopping, the gifts will be wrapped. Volunteers then assist the parents/grandparents in getting the wrapped items to their cars and picking up their children.

How is the store stocked?
Toys come from students, faculty, staff, churches, local businesses and civic and community organizations. Donated toys should be brand new and in the box; no used toys will be accepted.

How many people will this year’s store serve?
We hope to serve 100 families in 2012. That means the store will need to stock at least 1250 toys. Each toy ranges in cost between $10-$15. An estimated $15,000 worth of toys will be secured prior to the opening of the store. This year’s deadline for toy donations is Friday, October 26th.

How can others help?
Opportunities exist in every part of the Community Christmas Store. Here are just a few specific ways in which you can help:

• By purchasing toys for the Community Christmas Store to share with families in need.
• No time to shop? Our Elf Shoppers will be happy to shop for you if you would like to donate gift cards to Wal-Mart and Target.
• Make a monetary donation.
• By volunteering to work in the store.

Where and when can I drop-off toy donations?

Toy Collection October 15-26, 2012:

• Local Churches call 910.814.4336 to schedule a pick-up.

On-Campus Drop-off Locations:

• Marshbanks
• Wallace Student Center
• Taylor Hall
• Wiggins Library
• LFSOB Lounge
• *Homecoming Football Game*

For more information contact:

Campbell University
Office of the Campus Minister

Tyler Ward
Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant
910.814.4336
cmgrad1@campbell.edu