Hope for the Inner City’s 11th annual Christmas Store isn’t the typical toy “giveaway.” In fact, it’s not even a giveaway.
“Parents spend their own money to buy gifts for their own children—but
at a discount,” said Chris Cook, Hope for the Inner City’s director of
programs. “The Christmas Store recognizes parents’ dignity and their
role as providers for their own families. Last year we met 110 local
families, and with the economy the way it is, we expect more families
at this year’s Christmas Store."
The community is asked to participate in one of three ways:
· Donate Gifts: New toys, books, bikes, electronic items, winter clothing, or other unwrapped gifts can be mailed to Hope for the Inner City, P.O. Box 11584, Chattanooga, Tn. 37401, or dropped off in person weekdays through Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1800 Roanoke Ave.
Financial contributions can be made online at Hope4theInnercity.org/christmas.
· Volunteer: Individuals, church groups and community groups
are invited to help set up and take down the Christmas Store on two
Saturdays, Dec. 12 and 19, as well as to man the store during regular
business hours Monday-Friday, Dec. 14-18. Sign up by calling 423
698-3178 x103 or learn more at Hope4theInnercity.org/christmas.
· Refer Low-Income Shoppers: The Christmas Store will be open
to qualified low-income shoppers daily from Dec. 14 to 18. Parents
seeking to purchase gifts for their children at the Christmas Store
should fill out an application in advance. Call 423 698-3178, ext. 100.
Through events like the Christmas Store, Hope for the Inner City is
committed to seeing the urban poor move from dependency to self-sufficiency. It is a merger of two faith-based organizations with
a shared history of serving Chattanooga’s inner city: Hope for
Chattanooga and Inner City Ministries.