You are invited to help the less fortunate living in and around Ridgefield by providing a Christmas Shoebox filled with age-appropriate gifts to those in need. We are once again working with Ridgefield Social Services and ARC (Association of Religious Communities) to distribute our Christmas Shoeboxes locally.  We need boxes for children AND for older adults.

2024 Deadline:  Shoeboxes can be delivered to the church any time after Mon., Dec. 2 right up through Sun., Dec. 8. If you have not already dropped your shoebox off at church, plan on bringing it to church on Sun., Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m. so that it may be presented at the altar and then distributed from there.

Please contact either Debbie Ahle dbahle@aol.com or Jennifer Mayette Jennifer.Winston88@gmail.com with questions.

Guidelines:  All items must be new (not used). Please pick up custom made shoeboxes to fill with your gifts in the narthex. Take as many shoeboxes as you are able to fill and return any that you do not use. You are welcome to use wrapped, printed Christmas-themed shoeboxes from Michaels, Walmart and Ocean State Job Lot and plastic Sterlite shoebox size plastic containers. Fill the shoebox FULL of approved items. (Note: Unlike previous years, your box will not be sent to a distribution center to be checked and finished, so please be sure it is complete when you bring it to church.)  Please do not include weapons, items of war or easily breakable items such as glass. Gift receipts may be included so that an exchange for size or color may be made. Gift cards may also be included.  

Labels:  Please use the labels available to print. Cut out as many labels as you need and affix the appropriate label to the shoebox. Check the correct box (man or woman, girl or boy in the correct age group).

Suggested items for Children: Small toys, school supplies, balls, games, cards, candy, art supplies, books, stuffed animal/doll, mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, hair bands and hairbrush, Christmas ornaments, bows, personal care items, socks, shirts, ear buds and phone chargers, string lights, key chains. Pinterest online has many creative ideas as well. 

Suggested items for Older Adults: Chapstick, slippers, fancy tissues, mints, flashlight/batteries, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, puzzle books, hard candy, pens/pencils, greeting cards, stamps, notecards, hand cream, personal care items, nail care set, Christmas ornaments, games, playing cards, candles, jewelry items, gift cards.