Christ Lutheran Church will once again offer holiday help to congregational families, our transitional shelter family, and families from North Marion School District through our Giving Tree. With the support of our congregation, endowment funds, and matching funds from Thrivent Financial Clackamas County Chapter 30163, we provide gifts and meals for about 35 people in need each holiday season.
Identify Those In Need
If your family or a family you know in the congregation is struggling and could use help with Christmas, contact Barb Bannister by Nov. 8. Provide the family name and contact information, number of adults and children. Families will be asked to provide their wish lists by Nov. 16. CLC will provide Christmas dinner for families, as well as gifts for children who are under 18 or still in school. Barb also will be in contact with North Marion Schools to identify additional families we can help. Typically CLC is able to help about 35 people each year.
Buying Gifts & Food
The Giving Tree will be up at the church by Nov. 22. To buy gifts, take the tag from the tree. Each tag will have two sections: one to fill out and leave with the tree as a record, and one to take with you and use as a gift tag. When you purchase a gift, please consider getting a gift receipt to include in the gift in case the family needs to exchange the item. Wrap the gift and attach the original tag to the outside, then bring the gift back to the church by Dec. 13.
You also can help by purchasing food for gift meals. Perishable food should be brought to the church on Dec. 17, by 11 a.m. (We don’t have refrigerator or freezer space for earlier deliveries.)
If you are unable to shop but would like to help, monetary donations are always welcome. Write a check to Christ Lutheran Church, with “Giving Tree” designated in the memo line, or place cash in a marked pew envelop. Donated money will be used to purchase food and gifts for tags not taken.
Volunteering Your Time
Volunteers are always needed to help with collecting, sorting, buying, wrapping and delivering gifts. Sign-ups for volunteers will be available at the church. You also can get in touch with Giving Tree coordinators Barb Bannister, Marie Gunther and Carolyn Popma for more information.