TOTH NEWS
Want to encourage children to be involved in selecting and giving their own gifts this Christmas? The Children’s Christmas Bazaar at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, is a child friendly community event, for students in kindergarten through 6th grade, where children shop and have their gifts wrapped.
Help is available for children who need a little assistance. And Elves wrap the gifts after they are selected. The event is about giving and empowerment for children, parents are not allowed in the shopping area. Empowered children learn the process of informed decision-making and problem solving.
Due to long lines and waiting times last year, we are changing it up a bit this year. Suggested times to arrive: if your last name starts with the letter: R-Z sign in begins at 8:30 a.m., M-Q sign in begins at 9:15 a.m., G-L sign in begins at 9:45 a.m., A-F sign in begins at 10:15 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m., all children in kindergarten to 6th grade shop, This is a good time for children with special needs or first-time shoppers when the shopping area is not as busy.
Children start in the sanctuary at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, 3900 Trinity Drive, where they prepare their list of people to shop for, complete their gift tags and get a shopping bag. Then they wait in Sherrill Hall until their time to shop. Parents and younger children hang out in the old parish hall where they enjoy coffee, treats and coloring. And in Kelly Hall children shop and pay for their gifts and elves wrap them!
All items for sale have been donated and are new or like new. It is a huge recycling event. To help “keep it green”, children are encouraged to bring their own shopping bag and parents are encouraged to bring their own coffee cup.
Adults are reminded that it may take children time to choose those special gifts and have their purchases wrapped. Parents often ask “How much money should I give my child?” Gifts are reasonably priced from 50 cents to $7. Depending on your child’s taste and number of gifts they need to purchase $20 is usually plenty of money. Proceeds from the bazaar go to charity.
Many community members volunteer by wrapping gifts, helping children shop and with setting up and cleaning up. Want to get involved or have questions? Contact the church office at 662-5107.