The Christian Community Service Center is gearing up for its annual Jingle Bell Express program. CCSC needs your help to provide holiday toys and food for more than 3,000 children and their families.
DONATIONS
Food – Please donate canned fruits and vegetables.
Toys –Please donate age-appropriate toys for more than 3,000 children from infants to 15 years old.
When shopping for toys, remember the toy each child receives through Jingle Bell Express may be his/her only Christmas present. Consequently, one $10 to $15 toy is better than multiple toys worth smaller amounts. This year CCSC is testing a new program for teens. In addition to age-appropriate gifts, they are also asking for gift card donations. Gift cards should be for $15 and ideally should come from Claire’s, Academy, or Old Navy. If you choose to donate a gift card, please donate an actual card. CCSC policy stipulates that any check or cash donations will go towards next year’s Christmas program, rather than this year’s program.
VOLUNTEER
Help CCSC distribute the toy and food donations at the Bellaire United Methodist Church at 4417 Bellaire Blvd. (just inside Loop 610 at Newcastle).
Sort and Set Up – Tuesday, December 6 through Thurday, December 8; 6-8:00 p.m.
Distribution - Friday, December 9 – Saturday, December 10: 7:45 a.m. – 12 noon.
Individuals and families may simply show up, but groups of 8 or more should contact CCSC at 713-961-3993. The minimum age for volunteers is 10 years and an adult should accompany children younger than age 14.
Gift ideas for each age group include:
- Infants/Toddlers (0-2 Years Old):
- Playschool toys, Fisher-Price toys, musical toys, activity blocks, and baby blankets.
- Pre-School (3-5 Years Old):
- Tea sets, large Lego sets, Etch-A-Sketch, large dolls, racing cars, and play dough sets
- Elementary (6-10 Years Old):
- Tonka trucks, large trucks, Barbie dolls, action figures, art/paint sets
- Pre-teen and Teen (11-15 Years Old):
- Sports watches, sports equipment, hair dryers, Radio (w/headphones), curling irons, jewelry, and gift certificates ($15 value each) from: Claire’s, Old Navy, or Academy.
You may place donations in the basket in the narthex or in the church office.