Candlewood's Christmas Store Needs Donations

When money is tight, it can be difficult for families to celebrate the spirit of giving that the holidays bring.  Candlewood Community Church’s Christmas Store aims to lessen that burden.

But the church needs the community’s support to make Christmas shopping affordable for families in need.

Donations of new items for all ages are needed by Nov. 29, co-organizer Sarah Schrieber said.

We tend to get a lot of toys, which is great, but we are always in need of more items— for teens especially,” Schrieber said. “We would also like more items for adults as well.”

Video games, popular books, jewelry, DVDs and clothes are among the items shoppers hope to find at the store.

“Basically, we are looking for any kinds of items you would feel proud to give to your own family members,” Schrieber said.

Monetary donations are welcome, as well.

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Though much is the same, there are a few changes to the store this year that past donors should note.

“This year we aren't taking any donations of used items,” Schrieber said.  The change was made to make the store nicer and to “set the precedent for future years.”

The items are sold for a modest fee rather than given away. Some of the funds raised at the 2012 store will be set aside to purchase gifts for next year, since having enough items has been a struggle in the past, she said.

Also new this year: Low-income parents who choose to work in the store will be paid for their time from those funds, Schrieber said.

In the past, those volunteers earned gifts from the store, but paying them provides more options for them if what they want is not available at the store, she said.

A portion of the proceeds also will be donated to Oasis: A Pregnancy Care Center, Schrieber said.

The store will be open by invitation only to families identified by Pasco Schools’ ABC program and community organizations such as Oasis. If there are items leftover, the store will open for a second day to members of the community, Schrieber said.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Candlewood Community Church, 21418 Carson Drive. By appointment only, call Luke Schrieber at 813-505-0271

• LOL Transport and Moving, 21802 Pineywood Loop

• Organic Life Coffeehouse and Bakery, 1900 Oak Grove Blvd.