Christmas Toys & Gifts

Because you gave, 27,033 children from 6,487 families received toys, gifts, and over 3,500 new bikes, from our free Christmas Store.  In these tough economic times (for both givers and receivers), you came through again, making Christmas memorable for so many families in need.  Day after day, you dropped by with gifts, big and small, for the youngest children to the oldest teen. When most families had every reason to believe that Christmas wouldn’t be much this year, God provided, and you joined in, so that there were, in fact, presents under the tree.

Volunteers

In a year when safety concerns made volunteering more difficult, over 7,000 of you (young and old) still came out to lend a hand. We are so humbled & amazed by your openness to help, your sensitivity to need, and your faithful generosity. You wrapped gifts, helped moms & dads find the right toys for their children, and kept the Christmas Store full of good gifts for the children.  We often hear from people in need that your attentive hearts,  sensitive spirit, and gentle disposition provided encouragement as much as the gifts evoked joy.  You keep finding a way to encourage people in need.  We hope you know what a blessing you were  – and continue to be – to so many families in our community.

Twice the Fun

A 2nd Christmas store was created this year, running parallel with the original store. With two shopping areas, wrapping stations, childcares, and an expanded stockroom, we were able to keep wait times down, while supporting social distancing for volunteers and for families in need. It was so much fun.

The Greatest Gift

Every person who came through the Christmas Store heard a special telling of Luke 2, the story of Christ’s birth.  In response, 274 people accepted Christ, and another 680 people rededicated their lives to the Lord, or had a desire to know more about what it means to be a follower of Christ. In January, the Mission Arlington^® family will make follow-up calls and visits with all of these who made decisions. The “Christmas Store” had many gifts for children, but the greatest gift of the store was Christ himself.

Thank you

for walking with us through these days, as we turn the corner into 2021. By God’s grace, great things are ahead.  We will never forget this year, and this will always be a Christmas to remember!