What Are Our Shoppes?

48% of the Anderson County community is living either in poverty or ALICE (Asset limited, income constrained, employed) – this means that a lot of people, right here in our backyard, are struggling to keep up with their monthly expenses. When you add in expenses like coats, thanksgiving, family gatherings and Christmas the stress can be very overwhelming for many.

As part of showing God’s love to the people around us, First Church has created 3 “shoppes” to support these families. In the early fall, we host the Coat Shoppe to ensure children and teens have access to warm clothing. For Thanksgiving, we provide dinner and a basket of cleaning essentials / home goods – we even include a family game to encourage some fun family time! At Christmas, we host the Christmas Shoppe (the biggest of the 3 events!) This includes photos with Santa over a delicious lunch, an opportunity for parents to “shop” for their children, childcare which includes crafts and a chance for children to “shop” for their parents, and a lot of extra special goodies!

These 3 incredible days are some of the most impactful days of the year – these are days we support those in our community who are struggling and hurting in a way that empowers them and respects their dignity while also being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Thank you for looking at the opportunities below and engaging in this important mission.

Donate Here

Thanksgiving and Christmas Shoppes

Donate to the Thanksgiving Shoppe
Donate to the Christmas Shoppe

Once we have a list of referrals from local agencies, we contact participating families and receive a list of requested toys and clothes for each individual child. We recommend sponsors spend between $75.00-$100.00 per child. 

Shoppes Updates:

The 2023 Coat Shoppe is finished for the year, but you can still help!

In 2023, we provided 116 coats to children and youth in our community. We continue to accept new gloves and mittens that will be utilized at our Thanksgiving and Christmas Shoppes. We are especially in need of adult sizes.

Ways To Help

Make a Financial Contribution 

Donate Here

To donate directly to these efforts, choose the line marked “Coats, Christmas & Thanksgiving Shoppe.” If you prefer checks, make them payable to FUMCOR and mark in the comment line: SHOPPES. 

Donate Items for our Basket Distribution  

Coat donations have concluded for the year, but we continue to accept new gloves and mittens that will be utilized at our Thanksgiving and Christmas Shoppes. We are especially in need of adult sizes.

Whom do I contact?