Community Christmas 2020

by | Oct 14, 2020 | Community Events | 4 comments

Many of our Love Letters focus on the individual or family member who has courageously reached out to us and asked for help. The stories also may include true instances of God’s redemptive power and overwhelming grace. But how often do we forget that God grants each of us whether we think we’re in need or not that same grace?

Love INC’s Community Christmas has done that in a monumental way for many church-going volunteers since the first event five years ago. Volunteers serve at a weekend event, hosted at a local church that invites community members in need to shop and celebrate Christmas.

But Christmas is celebrated in a new way. In the past, community members have filled out forms, volunteers have shopped and wrapped gifts, and Christmas blessed a lot of families in a very transactional way. Christmas was a hand-off of gifts from someone who could contribute to someone who could not. It made the giver feel good but did not consider how it might impact the receiver.

God has since shifted the Christmas ministry to become a weekend community Christmas celebration for all involved. An arena that is dignified, non-judgmental and relational. What do I mean?

When a family attends, they contribute money towards the cost of the event either in dollars or volunteer hours. Each kid is connected with a volunteer who shops with them – whether that takes twenty minutes or two hours. Families attending are invited to wrap gifts side by side with volunteers, kids are invited to shop for their parents and do crafts, and Christmas music fills the building. There are volunteers loading gifts while other volunteers are getting to know local families who make the choice to come shop.

The first year we transitioned to this relational endeavor, we had a father, who seemed upset, ask to speak to the person in charge of putting the event together. He pulled a staff member aside and with tears in his eyes said, “You have no idea what it meant for me to take my wallet out in front of my family and provide for them. Thank you.” The element of dignity had been added back into this ministry and people had noticed. Dignity is now a standard we strive for in every ministry area.

When all families have left, just the volunteers remain. Each of the families who shopped has no idea the impact they’ve left on each volunteer’s mindset, perspective and ultimately, heart. The stereotypical “poor” person has vanished from their biases. The “assuming-the-worst” or “it was their choices” mentality can no longer be used as easily.

The volunteers are now connected to a person, a real human being made in the image of God, who has a story- a real story- that involves injustice that many of us may have never experienced. The door has been opened to a new relationship that includes depth and more than a quick transaction. The relationship blesses every volunteer with an empathy they never knew was missing from their lives.

Many of those volunteers courageously take the next step to journey with someone long term. Whether it’s through Love INC or another ministry, the “stranger” no longer seems so out of reach.

God has shown volunteers the grace to see, more deeply and clearly, people who are hurting and far from Him. This is a Christmas gift for which we are truly grateful.


Are you seeking support this Christmas? Reach out to us at 616.662.3300×128 or email [email protected] to learn more!


This year, you too can donate gifts to the Community Christmas!  We are anticipating a demand for 2,200 Christmas gifts this year for anyone from 0-60 years, as well as stocking stuffers and wrapping paper. Gifts should be $15-$30 in value. Contact Cindy Jarvis with questions about drop-off locations [email protected] or 616-662-3300 x 122.

The following link will direct you to our Amazon Wishlist to make shopping for gifts as simple as possible!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2MF0DJK7RDUIQ/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Deadline to register or donate is Friday, November 20th, 2020.