Our annual Christmas ‘shopping’ spree for the Boys and Girls Club is Tuesday, December 18. Do you want to find a way to get into the spirit of Christmas without getting swept into the consumerism of the season? Join us on Tuesday, December 18 at the Boys and Girls Club where we will help kids shop for gently used gifts for everyone in their family. This is an event that is as much fun as it is fulfilling.

On Sunday, December 9 and 16, bring in gently used items that can serve as presents for siblings, parents and grandparents. We need toys, books, hats and mittens, jewelry, knickknacks, kitchen items and whatever else you think will make a good present. Historically, we have had slim pickings for men. Perhaps while you are shopping you could consider buying a pair of warm socks or mittens that we can offer as gifts. Last year, we had a huge pile of Legos, which we broke into small boxes. Hands down, these were the most popular gift we offered. If your child has extra Legos or Playmobiles that they will share, that would be fabulous.

We will also need donations of tape, tags, ribbons, wrapping paper and holiday bags (the easiest option on our wrappers; gently used is perfect). To get all of this over to the Boys and Girls Club, we’ll also need some good sized packing boxes.

Lots of helpers make this project possible. Those who are available early will meet at church at 2:00 where we’ll load up all of the donations and drive to the club. We’ll have until 3:30 to get everything nicely arranged. The kids shop from 3:30 to 5 o’clock. During that time we need people who can help kids shop, ensuring that they get age appropriate gifts. We also need people with the ability to do a lovely job packaging the gifts. Some of us will stay after 5 to clean up. This is an appropriate activity for older kids who can help with the shopping and wrapping.

You can let me know if you’ll participate by emailing me at cheryl@concorduu.org. You can also go to www.concorduu.org/volunteer.php. From there, you’ll see a link to Volunteer Spot where you can sign up. Please let me know if you’d prefer to meet at the church, or join us later on at the club.