Support Shoppes
We are looking forward to our Shoppes events in November in December. Help us prepare! You can now sign up to share Christmas with a child through the Christmas Shoppe.
Financial Donations
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the Thanksgiving or Christmas Shoppes, please make checks out to: FUMCOR with Memo: Shoppes, and mail to: 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
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.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Shoppes Referrals
Shoppe participants are referred from the following local agencies: Anderson Country Resource Center, Blossom Center, Clinton Middle School, First Recovery, Free Medical Clinic, MIST-Ridgeview, Oak Ridge Family Resource, TORCH, Boys & Girls Clubs of Anderson County
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:
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Contact
If you would like more information regarding the Shoppes, please email FUMCORShoppes@gmail.com