December 6, 2025
Our day started out cloudy and cold at 25 degrees. But warmth spread throughout the church with the 35 volunteers that showed up before 8:00 A.M. to be ready for our shoppers. The event was held at The United Methodist Church of Macedonia.
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As shoppers entered the building, they were greeted at our reception table, where they confirmed the number and ages of the children in their family. The family was then introduced to their Elf who would guide them through the process of shopping for their children.
The Fellowship Hall of the church was transformed with mountains of toys placed on tables by age groups. Each family could select up to four smaller value toys and one larger value toy. In addition to the toys, there were tables with gently used blankets that could be selected as well as Bomba socks for each child.
Once the families made their toy selections, they were escorted to the stocking stuffer room where they could select ten items for each child. These were intended to be stocking stuffers and included stuffed animals, small toys, crayons, coloring books, hair clips, water bottles as well as new or gently used books.
The family was then escorted to the wrapping room, where they could choose to have the toys wrapped OR they could take home the items needed to wrap the toys themselves. We provided wrapping paper, tape, gift tags, and bows to any family that requested them.
The premium item room was next! CCC had over 60 bicycles to give away to families, which included helmets and locks. The bicycles were donated by a local bicycle ministry whose goal is to give every child a bicycle who wants one. The families could select a chance at winning a bicycle for each child. In addition, the families received a chance to win family related items as well. These included gift baskets, gift certificates for bowling and Fun-N-Stuff outings, gift certificates to restaurants and services, sets of magna-tiles, headphones, and five Christmas trees. All of these items were given away through a random drawing.
The last stop for our families was the refreshment area which was manned by the United Methodist Women in Faith group. Whether they were waiting for their presents to be wrapped or just wanted to relax for a few minutes, families enjoyed the coffee, tea, home made Christmas cookies, and conversations. The families were even given cookies to take home!
When they were ready to leave, the families were offered bibles and literature from the area churches that planned the outreach (if they chose to take it). As they were assisted to their vehicles by an exit Elf, many hugs were exchanged!
At the end of the day, CCC served 55 families and 118 children with our shopping event. Each child received toys valued at $85 or more as well as the other smaller and free items chosen.
Throughout the day, we had 100 volunteers assist with the different rooms and activities. Caring for our local families in need was both a privilege and an honor for our volunteers. The Nordonia community and businesses helped make that possible. We were blessed by meeting the families, hearing their stories, and helping them have a happier Christmas.
Next year’s event will be held on December 5, 2026. We are already looking forward to it!
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