Christmas Store Needs Donations, Volunteers

Christmas is still months away, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t time to start planning.

At least that’s the thought by organizers of second annual Christmas Store. Rather than wait until the last minute to round up donations and volunteers, they’re getting started early.

The Christmas Store opened for the first time last year. It is designed to offer low-income families a place to come and shop for their gifts. Rather than provide items for free, the store offers pricing that’s at least half-off retail or even more, said Sarah Schrieber, Candlewood’s community ministry coordinator.

The idea for the store came from other churches and organizations around the country that found offering gifts for low prices enabled families strapped for cash a way to buy presents without losing dignity, Schrieber said.

While last year’s shopping event was restricted to one day, this year the church intends to keep the store open for at least two. The first day will involve an invitation-only list of shoppers who have been recommended for assistance by local schools, churches, the county and other organizations. On the second day, the store will open to the general public.

Shoppers on the first day can pay for gifts in cash, and some can earn presents by volunteering to help out in the store, Schrieber said.

The store fits Candlewood’s outward-looking mission perfectly, said Pastor Ron Day.

“Part of our dream was to help a certain segment of people,” he said. The first day of the sale is meant for single parents and those who are underemployed or unemployed.

By providing a way for these families to purchase brand new or gently used gifts, it helps them retain dignity while giving them a needed financial break, Schrieber said.

Plus, “don’t forget how glad you feel when you get a bargain,” Day added.

Although the Christmas Store won’t open its doors for months, Candlewood is seeking volunteers to help out and is looking for donations of new and very gently used items. Donations being accepted range from clothing and toys to household goods, furniture and beyond, Day said. Essentially, anything that might be given as a gift is welcomed as a donation. Monetary donations are also being accepted for the purchase of new gift items.

Money raised during the sale will benefit .

For more information about donating or volunteering, contact christmasstore@candlewoodfl.org. Dates for the store haven’t been firmed up yet, but the target right now is the weekend of Dec. 9. The sale will take place at the 21418 Carson Dr. church.

Anyone with large items to donate can contact LOL Transport & Moving for free pick up of good quality furniture that is free of stains, tears, smoke or animal hair.  For information, call 813-996-3775 or email LOLmoving@aol.com.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 2 p.m. Sept. 9 to include LOL Transport & Moving's information.