Eighty Nordonia Hills families who are struggling this year will get to pick out Christmas presents for their children at no cost.
Community Christmas Connect is a group of local churches, veterans groups, civic organizations and the school district. It is planning a free “Christmas Shopping Experience” on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the United Methodist Church of Macedonia. Organizers are asking the community for donations to stock the tables.
How the Shopping Day Works
The Nordonia Hills City School District will identify and notify the families, which protects their privacy. Each family gets a scheduled time to shop.
Parents and guardians will choose gifts for every child in the household, from infants up to age 17. Rooms inside the church will have tables sorted by age group and gender.
Volunteer “Christmas Elves” from area churches and organizations will be there to help. Besides helping with the shopping, they will get to know the families on a more personal level.
Free gift wrapping will also be offered, so families can have their gifts wrapped before they leave the building.
Prize Drawing for Bigger Items
Every participating family will be entered into a drawing. Prizes include refurbished bicycles, Christmas trees, gift cards and other larger items.
What Organizers Need
The group is looking for:
- New, unwrapped toys
- Gift cards
- Cash donations
- Businesses willing to serve as drop-off locations
- Advertising support
In its outreach letter, the group says hundreds of local families can’t afford Christmas presents for their children. Organizers plan to hold the event every year and serve more families each time.
Who Is Behind the Effort
These partner organizations are listed:
- American Legion Post 801
- Faith Fellowship Church
- Nordonia Hills City School District
- Northfield Presbyterian Church
- Northfield VFW Post 6768
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
- Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills
- Saint Barnabas Catholic Parish
- Spennatos Restaurant
- United Methodist Church of Macedonia
- Victory Baptist Church
How to Help
You can find drop-off locations and more information at commchristmasconnect.com. Questions can be sent to CommChristmasConnect@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Christmas Connect?
It is a group of Nordonia Hills area churches, veterans posts, civic groups, a local restaurant and the school district. Together they are giving local families in need a free Christmas shopping day.
When and where is the Christmas Shopping Experience?
It is on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the United Methodist Church of Macedonia. Each family shops at its own scheduled time.
How are families chosen?
The Nordonia Hills City School District identifies and notifies the families to protect their privacy. The event will serve 80 families this year.
What can I donate?
The group needs new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and cash. Businesses can also volunteer as drop-off locations or offer advertising support.
Where can I drop off donations?
Drop-off locations are listed at commchristmasconnect.com. You can also email CommChristmasConnect@gmail.com.
