Preparations for 2023 Coat, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Shoppe Events are in progress!  

Scroll down for ways to help 

In 2022, we provided over 85 coats to children and adults in our community—along with a scarf, hat, and a pair of gloves! During the Thanksgiving Shoppe, our Church provided 60 food baskets to referred families. Then we provided 60 food baskets and Christmas specifically-requested presents for over 130 children during the Christmas Shoppe.  

This year, because of increasing and ongoing needs, we will again provide three events for referred individuals and families: 

September 25th: Coat and Outerwear Event 

  • More information on the 2023 distribution is coming soon, but know this: you may always bring new coats to the church office for our next distribution!  
Sign Up to Donate

November 19th: Thanksgiving Food Basket and supplies  

  • See how to make a difference below!  

December 16th: Christmas Shoppe 

  • See how to make a difference below!  

And remember: We coordinate all our participants via referrals from the following agencies: Anderson County Preschool, Blossom Center, Nurture the Next, Oak Ridge Schools, TORCH, MIST, and United Way of Anderson County. Due to the great need in our community and the significant number of responses we receive through these agencies, we are not able to accept walk-ins.  

Three Ways To Donate  

1. 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. 

2. Donate Items for our Basket Distribution  

Between now and fall, we will highlighting one essential item on our WISH LIST that we are collecting each month for our Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets. Our goal is to slowly and steadily gather all we need for the distribution without overwhelming those in our congregation and community who contribute. Below is the list of items we will focus on each month. However, please know that you are ALWAYS welcome to donate any of these items at any time. Bring donations to the church office during the week (Monday through Thursday, 8 am-4:30 pm) or to one of our three worship services on Sunday morning.  

Now Accepting in the Church Office & Worship: 

May – items for our Children’s Shop  

We allow children in families to select and wrap a present to give to their parents, grandparent, or caretaker. We ask that items donated cost no more than $10 each. Examples of useful unwrapped items include: women’s body wash/perfume, men’s body wash/cologne, small tools, tape measures, flash lights, work gloves, manicure sets, nail polish sets, and jewelry.  

June – underwear and socks  

We are in need of all sizes, but in particular large and XL men, women, boy and girl sizes 

July – new and gently used books 

We serve children ages 0-18!  

August – gloves and mittens  

We especially need larger sizes for middle and high school age kids. If we get enough, we will include gloves and mittens with our September 25 Coat Distribution event since we are focusing on High School kids for this event. 

September – to be decided!

We will certainly have many needs this fall, including new family board games, card games, Thanksgiving/Fall-themed napkins, and bulk supplies of toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, regular-size shampoos (please, no travel size or used donations), etc.  

Food and other basket supplies will be purchased from donated funds (see above financial link). Please give generously. 

3. Sponsor A Child/Family For The Christmas Shoppe 

Once we have a list of referrals from local agencies (the list is available above), we contact participating families and receive a list of requested toys and clothes for each individual child. We will post the link to sign-up genius on this page of our website, once it is available.  

Once posted, we recommend sponsors spend between $75.00-$100.00 per child. 

Whom do I contact?