This quiet miracle was created in our community 41 years ago, and it has been repeated every year since then. Wheaton/Warrenville Christmas Sharing served more than 1,200 families last year. As our economy continues to fluctuate, the need looks even greater for 2011. Donations, whether money, food, clothing or household items are needed.
Christmas Sharing is truly a community event. School District 200 students are collecting food, clothing and toys. The district donates its vans and gas to transfer the collected items and food to various churches. Local businesses donate food, paper goods, soap and clothing. Individuals and civic groups donate money, which is used to purchase gift certificates to local grocery stores, which are then given to each family. Many area restaurants donate meals for the hungry volunteers as they work to prepare for this community-wide event.
Families apply to participate in the program through their childrens’school(s). World Relief also plays an active role in identifying the newly arrived families that are in need of assistance in the area.
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Families are sent a letter of invitation to come to one of the designated churches to make their selections. Those selected to participate will visit one of the designated churches and may choose clothing and household goods, new Christmas toys for their children, and receive a box of food.
Christmas Sharing will take place at eight Wheaton and Warrenville churches Dec. 9 and 10.
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The eight distribution centers are Aldersgate United Methodist, Blanchard Road Alliance Church, Community Baptist Church, First Presbyterian of Wheaton, Gary United Methodist Church, Holy Cross Lutheran, St. John Lutheran and Trinity Episcopal of Wheaton. Every church prepares for Christmas Sharing in its own way, but mostly it is a week of sorting, sizing, and stacking clothing, shoes, toys, books, and household items. Non-perishable food is sorted and food boxes are prepared for each family according to size.
Visit Chili’s Restaurant at 240 Danada Square West in Wheaton from now through November 30th and support Christmas Sharing. Download the voucher at www.christmas-sharing.org and bring it when you "Dine In" or order "To Go" and 10% of your purchase (excluding taxes) will benefit Christmas Sharing.
To learn more about Christmas Sharing and how to make a donation or volunteer your time, please go to www.christmas-sharing.org and contact one of the churches involved.
