Why Do We Host The Christmas Store?

The Christmas season can be a time of joy and celebration, but for many families, it can also bring significant financial stress. At the Christmas Store, we provide an opportunity for families to purchase new gifts for their children at deeply discounted prices of $1, $3, $5, $10, and $20. This initiative helps to alleviate the financial burden of the holidays, allowing parents to focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with their loved ones.

Many of the families we assist are hardworking individuals who simply cannot afford the added expenses that come with the holiday season. By hosting the Christmas Store, we ensure that they can still experience the joy of giving, without the stress of financial strain.

Who Can Shop at the Christmas Store?

The Christmas Store is open to families who are served by the Member Ministries at the Christian Resource Center (CRC). These ministries include:
 

• Agape Womens Clinic

• CARS

• Christian Family Counseling

• Faith Home Restoration

• Forward Foundation

• Jail to Jobs

• Partners in Hope

• PurposeWorks

• River City Hope Street

• Reveal Resource Center

• Samaritan Health Ministries

What to Expect at the Christmas Store

When clients arrive at the Christmas Store, they are welcomed at the front door and paired with a personal shopper who will assist them in selecting up to three gifts per child (subject to availability). Each gift is priced affordably at $1, $3, $5, or $10, with larger items, such as bicycles, priced at $20 (while supplies last). 

After selecting and purchasing their gifts, they visit our wrapping station where volunteers will wrap the gifts, ensuring they’re ready for Christmas morning.

In addition, we have prayer partners available to offer personal support and encouragement during their shopping experience. Meanwhile, the clients infants and children will be entertained with fun activities, snacks, and refreshments in the Children’s Ministry area.
 

Where Do the Toys Come From?

The toys available at the Christmas Store are generously donated by CRC supporting churches, member ministries, individuals and local businesses. We are in need of new toys suitable for children of all ages—from infants to teenagers. 

We encourage early donations, ideally in November, but no later than December 6th. Toys can be conveniently purchased through our Amazon Wish List, where they will be shipped directly to us.

If you need to schedule a drop-off time for toys, please contact Michelle Johnson at michelle@crctwinlakes.org.

Where Will the Money Go?

All proceeds from the Christmas Store will be directed into a Ministry Development Fund that assists our Member Ministries and their families in need of support. Your support helps to ensure that they have the resources they need to thrive throughout the year.