Sharing Christmas Program

On the way to my car this morning, I noticed a familiar crunch of leaves underneath my feet. Summer is over, and with the
beginning of fall comes little reminders that the holidays are ahead. For many of us that means oyous thoughts of family gatherings and delicious food. It also means the creation of lists of gifts to buy - as well as receive. Children and adults alike are wowed by the glitzy advertising, and even strangers ask children “What are you asking Santa for this year?”

Now try and imagine a year without a single gift, Christmas cookie, or Christmas tree, and overwhelming feelings of worry and despair. This is the reality for many of our families. This time of year is punctuated with additional financial and emotional stress. Want to add true Joy to your Christmas? With a little thought you can find a way to make Christmas a time to think about
community and to nurture a giving spirit. Create opportunities for you, your family and friends and coworkers to develop new traditions that focus on others.

In it’s 10th year, our Sharing Christmas program serves over 350 families in need. Donors (individuals, families, and groups) receive a wish list from a client family who has registered and been screened by MOM. Donors purchase gifts for the family, spend $50 (or more, if that is your wish) per family member, and then either deliver the gifts directly to the family, or bring them to MOM for the family to pick-up.

If you would like more information about the program, read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Ready to Register?
Matches are made on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and can be mailed, faxed, or picked-up. Registration for Donors will continue until all families are matched. As of 12/4/09, 50 families are still awaiting matches, with another 75+ on our waitlist!

Printable Form (pdf)

Know of others who may be intersted in this program?
Print out a poster to hang in your church, breakroom, gym.
Share the Giving Tree information, one church's process for sharing this opportunity with their congregation.

If you have further questions, please contact:
Ellen Carlson at 826-3404