Gifts to the Manger
The Christ Child was born into poverty and gifted by the Magi. What better way to celebrate Jesus’ birth than to do the same for children in our community.
The Gifts to the Manger program at Washington UCC provides new toys, clothing, socks, underwear, hats and gloves for children in the 45225 and 45214 zip codes (the lowest income zip codes in Cincinnati). Each family also receives a large food box with a frozen chicken or turkey. In 2024, we blessed 333 children from 89 families! We do this through the support of many, many organizations: churches, businesses, individuals and generous financial donors.
Ways for you to make a difference in a child’s life this Christmas:
Pray for low-income families and the organizations that serve them during this stressful season.
Sponsor a family! Washington will provide names of the children, age, gender, sizes and toy preferences to sponsors. Then you and your family or co-workers or community group or congregation purchase the items and bring them to the church by Dec. 8, or we can arrange pick-up. Contact Pastor Melissa to learn more.
Donate money to support the ministry. We will serve many more families than will be sponsored. Washington purchases the gifts needed to assure all the children receive an outfit in their size and a toy they prefer. Donate here and write Gifts to the Manger in the comment field.
Volunteer! On Saturday, December 13 from 9 to noon and 1 to 4 an army of volunteers will transform the fellowship hall into the North Pole! On Sunday, December 14, elfish volunteers will help the parents/guardians select gifts for their children and pick up a box of food. Sign-up here.
Questions? Contact Pastor Melissa at melissa@washingtonucc.org
