Area children ‘shop’ for gifts for their family members during the 12th annual Kids Shopping Day held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Peace Church in Gladbrook. Some of the younger children pictured were receiving help with their lists from volunteers. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

GLADBROOK – Gladbrook area churches and organizations are working together to create an opportunity for our area children to “shop” this Christmas season on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at Peach Church.

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 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.

Shopping day logistics

Enter through the south doors of the church. You will be given a shopping list to fill out upstairs in the sanctuary. Your parents can help you fill out your list and your “to and from” tags. Then you will go downstairs to begin your Christmas shopping. Volunteers will wrap your gifts.

The “People of Bethlehem will 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 for home with a Christmas greeting from God, and gifts for their loved ones.

Donations needed!

We need donations! Please bring gently used items and new items, for gals and guys of all ages, to Peace Church or UMC. We are always in need of fishing, hunting, golf, collegiate items, Barbies, LEGOs, trucks, Disney items, jewelry, nuts and candy, and the list goes on. After Dec. 1, all items can be delivered to Peace Church. We need all donations by Dec. 11.

Christmas wrapping and tissue paper and bags of all sizes are also needed. Large and small boxes are needed. If you have time, cut wrapping paper and place it in the box. Monetary donations would be greatly appreciated as well.

Volunteers needed!

It takes 80 volunteers, men and women, to help the younger children shop, wrap gifts, and just keep everything running smoothly. We will need men to help haul in tables and gifts on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 8 a.m. at Peace Church.

Please call Jeanne Paustian 641-751-2039 if you can help.

Kids Shopping Day is a very special day for our kids.