We’ll be collecting gift bundles starting Dec. 3
More than 120 years ago, a touching and now famous editorial appeared in The New York Sun assuring young Virginia that there truly was a Santa Claus.
We are delighted today to announce an equally important message to all of our friends and neighbors on the South Shore: There IS a Christmas Giving Program this year!
With the help of generous donors and volunteers like you, we can again bring the joy of Christmas to hundreds of children and their families in shelters or temporary housing on the South Shore.
New location and new rules keep everyone safe
The Friends of the Homeless Christmas Giving Shoppe will be open from Dec. 3 to Dec. 23, 2020, from Noon to 6 pm, Mon.- Sat. Once again, our tireless volunteers will be at the Shoppe on those days to receive and send out hundreds of bundles of gifts purchased and wrapped by generous donors.
At the same time, to keep everyone safe in a COVID-19 world, we’ll be making big changes to our Christmas Giving program. For example:
- We have a new mobile phone number for all calls and texts to the Shoppe: 781-901-2256. If you prefer to send us an email, our new address is fhsschristmasshoppe@gmail.com
- We are moving the Shoppe location to the House of Prayer Lutheran Church at 916 Main Street (Rte. 228) in Hingham, Mass. (Our sincere thanks to Pastor Susan Henry for hosting us this year!)
- The Shoppe’s official hours will be limited to Noon to 6 daily, to accommodate reduced staffing.
- We’ll be observing strict protocols that limit the number of visitors to the Shoppe at one time and require the use of masks, gloves, and proper social distancing.
- We are scheduling specific times for all who come to the Shoppe to volunteer, donate, or pick up gift bundles.
For those who have already signed up to help, including families, friends, neighborhoods, churches, businesses, schools, or community groups, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your willingness to share in the Giving Program again this year.
If you’d still like to donate or volunteer
Please call or text our dedicated cell phone number, 781-901-2256, for more information. If you prefer to send a note, our new email address is fhsschristmasshoppe@gmail.com
We’re grateful to have the help of so many generous donors and volunteers again this year as we work together to bring the joy of the holiday season to families on the South Shore. We know it will brighten your holidays — and theirs!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Dorothy Newell and the Christmas Shoppe Team
The Festival of Trees has gone virtual this year, so it’s easier than ever to place and track your bids! Just go to their auction site to view the trees and other gifts and place your bid.
