The Christmas Store is created by a partnership between City Gospel Mission, CityCURE, and over 100 Greater Cincinnati churches that provides Christmas blessings to nearly 400 urban families and over 1,100 children each December.

At The Christmas Store, parents unable to afford Christmas gifts shop for presents for their children with dignity, and at a price they can afford. The holiday setting, personal shoppers, and free gift-wrapping give parents the opportunity to enjoy the experience as well as the satisfaction of providing for their families.

The partner churches distribute registration forms to parents they know need help with Christmas. The parents fill out the forms, enclose the $7/child payment, and return them to CityCURE.

When parents come to shop at their designated time, they may select one new toy item and one new clothing item for each child. The shoppers also receive groceries for a delicious Christmas dinner.

The Christmas Store will is held at Philippus United Church of Christ, 106 W. McMicken, Over-the-Rhine, in mid December.

Volunteer: We need volunteers willing to transport & sort donations, stock shelves, decorate the store, wrap presents, bake cookies, escort shoppers, stock display tables, greet shoppers, and more. Contact Loretta Stuckey to volunteer at 648-0119.

Donate items: We need donations of new toys and new upper-body clothing. Donations should be dropped off by December 10, 2006 at City Gospel Mission or at a McSwain Carpets and Floors location. To donate to the Store contact Genny Wittenbach at 932-2964. For ideas about age appropriate gifts or clothing sizes please click here for a Shopping Guide.

Financial Help: If you would like to make a monetary donation which will be used to purchase food, toys, or clothing for the Store, please send a check payable to City Gospel Mission to: The Christmas Store, Attn: Angela Allen, 1947 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219.