Claire Handorf (left) assists participating children during the annual Kids Shopping Day event held at Peace Church in Gladbrook last year. SUN COURIER FILE PHOTO

Gladbrook area churches and organizations are working together to create an opportunity for area children to “shop” this Christmas on Saturday, December 10, at Peace Church from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

With items that are donated by the community, we will create a “Christmas Store” where the kids will be able to choose just the right gifts for their family….without any exchange of money.

Children from age 3 years to seniors in high school can shop. Volunteers will help the 3- and 4-year-olds shop. No family members are allowed in the social hall. Volunteers will wrap their gifts and make out gift tags. We’ll remind the children that Christmas is the birthday of God’s son, Jesus and that God wants us to know that the best gifts we can give Jesus for His birthday are our prayers and our love. Happy children will head home with a Christmas greeting from God, and gifts for their loved ones.

Please bring gently used items and new items, for gals and guys of all ages, to Peace Church or UMC. After Dec. 1, all items should be delivered to Peace Church. Christmas wrapping paper and bags are also needed. Boxes other than shirt boxes and all sizes of small boxes are needed. Monetary donations would be greatly appreciated as well.

It takes 80 volunteers, men and women, to help the younger children shop, wrap gifts, and just keep everything running smoothly.

So look through your closets, cupboards, and drawers to see if you can find some treasures that you don’t use or need anymore. We will stock our “Christmas Store” and together make our 10th annual Kids Shopping Day a success!

This project is sponsored by the Gladbrook Auxiliary Children & Youth Committee Becky Fevold, Becky Fish, and Jeanne Paustian. Call any committee member to volunteer.