All the action right now is behind the scenes at the Christmas Bureau. Getting ready for the holiday shop each year takes many volunteers and hours working to prepare for our families coming to shop in December. The volunteer chairman is busy working to schedule over 3,000 volunteers from schools, civic groups, churches, and individuals who come and help us at our annualholiday shop. Also preparing is our president setting up details, such as tables, trash pickup, shopping carts, supplies, and preparing for the move itself. All of our merchandise is now in storage , and it takes several trips with several big trucks and lots of people to load, and take to the shop location. We schedule volunteers to help do this every year, (our move-in and move-out) which takes place within a few weeks. The amount of boxes is unbelievable, and the chairs who shop every year are to be congratulated for shopping, doing inventory, and boxing all our gifts to be given to our families. Grocery deliveries from schools and harvesters come directly to the shop, and our chairmen are there to receive it before the shop opens.
Our set-up week begins November 30th, and we have volunteers working to unpack and arrange all our items in a shopping area. Starting on Friday, December 4th, our families come in and select their groceries and gifts. One person from each family goes through with a volunteer and chooses their groceries, clothing, personal care items, hats, gloves, socks, toys, gifts, and used books and coats for their families. By the time they are finished, they have at least one cart-full of items and sometimes two for a large family. All our items are new except the books and coats.
It takes a lot to get ready for the doors to open, and a short time to do it in. But with the help of our many volunteers, we are able to serve over 2,500 families this year. Ask anyone who comes to helps us, and they will tell you what a rewarding experience it is.
Thanks to all of you, and see you at the shop.
Check out our web-site for needed items: www.jccb.org
Barb O’Donnell
