Wheaton and Warrenville Schools, Churches and Businesses Support Christmas Sharing
Christmas Sharing will take place at eight Wheaton and Warrenville churches December 9th and 10th. Families that are chosen 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.
The eight distribution centers are Aldersgate United Methodist, Blanchard Road Alliance Church, Community Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, Gary United Methodist Church, Holy Cross Lutheran, St. John Lutheran and Trinity Episcopal of Wheaton.
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. 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.
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 children's school. They are sent a letter of invitation to come to one of the designated churches to make their selections. World Relief also plays an active role in identifying the newly arrived families that are in need of assistance in the area.
This quiet miracle has happened in our community every year for the past 41 years. 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. Food (or money) and winter coats are greatly needed.
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.