12 Days of Charity - Day 8

Affordable Christmas has got to be my favorite volunteer opportunity of the year.  Trailhead Church has been supporting this ministry for several years.  Last year they asked about using our educational wing since they had outgrown their other resources.

Families are screened and given appts to come shop for Christmas presents for their children.  Gifts are priced to be about 10 cents on the dollar.  Donations of money and/or gifts make this all possible.  And they don't just provide Christmas gifts -

there is makeup and hair for the women, little ones too.  Each family has a photo shoot and gets an 8 x 10 to take home with them at the end of their shopping.

 There are lots of frames to choose from. All hand made - and beautifully done!

While mom and dad are shopping (or working as a volunteer) - the children spend time with crafts, Bible stories and breakfast foods.

There are so many things to choose from in the shopping area.  Tables and tables and tables full of new toys,

 games, (love the penguin!)

and sports equipment.  

After the parents make their purchases, the gifts are all wrapped and bagged up for them to take home.

While the gifts are being wrapped, the parents are treated to a breakfast/brunch.  This year a local restaurant owner provided a French toast bar.  The French toast was amazing - especially with the orange marmalade sauce (the volunteers are fed well too).  

This is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.   I am so proud to be a part of this ministry and pray to be able to continue to help out for many years to come.  

My card for today -

starburst of Joy.  The Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green again - but this time with Very Vanilla.  The starburst is done using a 'mask'.