The Christmas season is a time when followers of Jesus reflect on the greatest gift God has ever given us—Jesus. He would go on to live a perfect life and, in an act of self-giving, lay aside his glory and was born into the human race. This gift of Jesus is what compels us to express generosity to people in our city this Christmas season through Joy for All. This year Downtown Hope is partnering with Germantown Elementary School and Tyler Heights Elementary School to make Christmas possible for children and families in our city who are facing economic challenges.
To make participation as simple as possible, we’ve put together some easy steps to help you join us through Joy for All.
STEP 1 | SELECT
Germantown Elementary School
To sponsor a child, select a name from the Joy for All tree or select a name online by visiting downtownhope.org/joy-for-all. If you are part of a group or team, consider participating together. Once you select a name, you will receive an email with gift ideas and clothing and shoe sizes.
To sponsor a family by providing groceries, select a name from the Joy for All tree or select a name online by visiting downtownhope.org/joy-for-all. If you or someone you know would benefit from Joy For All, we would love to walk with you in that.
Pajamas are a great way to create additional layers and stay warm and cozy in the winter season. Thanks to an incredible donation, we have almost enough pajamas to give EVERY CHILD in our school one pair. We are just 84 pairs short! Please consider donating a pair of pajamas to one of our students today! The slots below have been created based on individual student needs. Simply review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Simply review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up.
Tyler Heights Elementary School
STEP 2 | SHOP
Using the wish list, shop for 4 to 6 gifts for each child you sponsor. You are welcome to go above and beyond that; however, we recommend setting a budget to make sure you stay within your means. Be sure to purchase wrapping paper and tape to make it easy for parents to wrap gifts. Consider including a card with an encouraging note to the family.
For grocery sponsorships, simply purchase a gift card for $100 from a local grocery store and a Christmas card to put it in. Personalize the card by writing an encouraging message to the family.
If you’re not in a position to shop, one of our designated shoppers would love to do that for you. Contact us at info@downtownhope.org.
Germantown Elementary School
Tyler Heights Elementary School
You may shop online, off of our Amazon wishlist, or in person.
STEP 3 | SHARE
Germantown Elementary School
Bring gifts, wrapping paper, tape and/or giftcard to our Sunday gatherings on or before December 18. Be sure to label the gifts with the child’s name and family number.
Gifts can be picked up on December 19 between 9am - 7pm from Downtown Hope, 255 West Street, Annapolis, MD.
Tyler Heights Elementary School
All pajamas must be delivered to the Tyler Heights Elementary School, 200 Janwall Street, Annapolis, MD prior to Friday, December 13th.
Thank you for helping to bring the Joy of Christmas for children and families across our city.
OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
GET THE WORD OUT
Because this is our first-time facilitating Joy For All, it’s important that we spread the word to the people in our lives who could make this program a success. You can do this by inviting others to participate. If you are part of a group or team, consider participating together.
DONATE
Support this and the other ways our church is serving like Jesus by making a donation at [downtownhope.org/give]
VOLUNTEER.
This year we have a few ways you can serve.
+ Volunteer to serve as a shopper for those who want to participate but cannot shop for gifts
+ Volunteer to make home deliveries for families who are not able pick up gifts on the distribution day
+ Volunteer to help organize gifts on December 18 and distribute gifts from Downtown Hope on December 19
Organizing Gifts + Distribution
Volunteers will meet at Downtown Hope on December 18 from to organize gifts and prepare for distribution on December 19.
On December 19, families will be able to pick up gifts from Downtown Hope between 9am - 7pm. 2-person teams will serve for one-hour increments.