By Lauren Waters
Correspondent
DE PERE – For the second year, eight De Pere churches are coming together to help make Christmas shopping easier for more than 100 local families.
Donations are still needed before the De Pere Christian Outreach Christmas Store opens its doors to selected families Dec. 10-11.
Families chosen to shop are selected based on referral and financial hardship.
The Christmas Store planning team shared research and community feedback have found this model of assistance instills pride and dignity in the families served.
Parents surveyed said they would rather work and pay for the items which bring joy to their kids during the holidays, the team said.
All the items at the De Pere Christian Outreach Christmas Store are brand new and have been donated by local businesses, churches or individuals.
Examples of donation ideas for children are Lego, sports equipment, arts and crafts, playhouse toys, board games, Hot Wheels and movie tickets to the De Pere Cinema.
Teens are the largest age group in need, and examples of donation ideas are earbuds, board games, bath and body products, hair dryers, sports team apparel, fast food gift cards and movie passes.
Families are also in need of household items such as pots, pans, blankets, sheets, dishes, small appliances, laundry detergent and toiletries.
Clothing items of all sizes are needed for the families, as well as gift cards for gas, grocery stores, pizza, fast food and more.
Those interested in making a donation can drop new, unwrapped items off by Thursday, Dec. 5, at any of the following eight participating churches: First Congregational UCC, First United Presbyterian Church, Hope Lutheran, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic, St. Anne’s Episcopal, St. Francis Xavier Catholic, St. John Lutheran and St. Mary Catholic.