Affordable Christmas Shop

Our church has always found a way to give during the Christmas season but we’ve always felt  like we were missing something. Four years ago, our leadership read a powerful book that changed our philosophy and gave birth to The Affordable Christmas Shop. The book is called Toxic Charity. Through case studies and research, the book suggests that we do more harm than good through our many means of giving. This encouraged us to not simply give, but empower families during Christmas. We didn’t want to send the message, “You can’t give your kids a Christmas, but we can.” We wanted to help families help their families. 

Last year we were able to purchase fifteen thousand dollars in toys for the Affordable Christmas Shop. This event empowered 150 families to provide Christmas for their family. 411 children received Christmas presents through this event. Parents were able to purchase gifts at a tenth of the price and wrap the gifts so that they were ready for Christmas. 

We interviewed a mother who has been a part of our Christmas events in the past. She responded, “You’re not doing this for me. You’re doing this with me. You’re not giving my kids the Christmas I can’t. You’re helping me give my kids something I can’t right now. That means the world to me.” 

School counselors have invited under-resourced parents to shop at the Affordable Christmas Shop at Main Street Elementary on Saturday, December 12th. Items are priced between $2-$5. For each child, 3 items may be purchased but no more than $10 per child may be spent. We ask families to purchase the toys so that they are providing for their family and not just receiving charity. 

We need your help to meet this gigantic need. You can help in one of two ways. 

DONATE • Give money and let us do the shopping for you at one of our partner retail shops. These shops give us generous discounts. Checks can be sent to Anchored Hope Church at 211 Boone Street, Troy, MO 63379. Please write Christmas Shop in the memo line. Or you can give online at www.anchoredhope.church/give/. You or your organization will receive a donation letter at the end of the year. 

PURCHASE TOYS • Please purchase new children’s toys priced between $10-$50 for children 18 and under. Donations can be dropped off at 211 Boone Street on Sunday mornings from 9-10 AM. Or you can schedule a drop off by texting 402-541-6224. All gifts and donations must be received by December 4. 

Thank you for taking the time to consider partnering with us this Christmas. We would love to answer any questions you might have. We look forward to impacting the Lincoln County School District this  Christmas. 

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