Christmas is just around the corner, and the annual Valley Churches United Missions’ Christmas Project is well underway. Through your generous giving, you share the true spirit of Christmas with your less fortunate neighbors throughout the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and Bonny Doon.
With your help…
- Low-income residents, including seniors and the disabled, receive all the food needed to prepare a holiday meal, including a turkey or ham. Residents also receive a gift card to a local grocery store, as well as a gift bag.
- Children in low-income families receive Christmas gifts chosen specifically for them, based on their “Santa letters.”
- The homeless who rely on other agencies for food and shelter (such at St Francis Soup Kitchen) receive a small gift package containing hygiene kits, socks, hats, and gloves.
- Children detained at Juvenile Hall receive gift-wrapped packages that include socks, writing paper, microwave popcorn, snacks, and crossword puzzles.
- Adults and children living at full-time care facilities, such as Rose Acres, Jesus Mary Joseph Home, and Willow Brook Care Home, receive home-baked cookies and small gifts.
Here’s how …
- Cash Donations
Your cash donation supports the holiday project, as well as our year-round food pantry. VCUM takes no government money and is entirely funded by donations. We are a mostly volunteer organization with only 10% overhead, so your donation goes directly to helping the people who need it most. Please use the enclosed coupon to send a check, or you can go to our website at www.vcum.org and use PayPal to make a donation.
- Adopt a Family
Individuals, businesses, or civic groups may adopt a family that is especially in need. Adopters provide gifts, a Christmas tree and decor, as well as ingredients for a holiday dinner. For more information on the Adopt a Family program, please call VCUM at 831-336-8258, x228.
- Take A Stocking
When you see Valley Churches’ red-and-white stockings displayed in banks, offices, stores, post offices and churches, you have the opportunity to fulfill a child’s Christmas wishes. Each stocking indicates the name, age, and gender of a child in need; attached to the stocking is the child’s Santa letter. Choosing a stocking is a fun, personal way to help a family in need.
Please deliver unwrapped gifts to VCUM during regular business hours and no later than Wednesday, December 9.
- Prepare Home-Baked Cookies
Homemade cookies are always welcome and appreciated, whether you bake one dozen or ten. Cookies should be dropped off at our Boutique (see below) no later than December 9. Please visit our website for other drop-off locations and hours.
- Shop at the VCUM Christmas Boutique
Enjoy shopping for brand new toys, home goods, jewelry, accessories, and holiday decorations. Our boutique offers quality items at very reasonable prices. New items arrive daily!
Runs through noon on Christmas Eve. Hours of Operation: Weekdays, 10 – 5. Weekends, 11− 4
- Volunteer
VCUM relies on volunteers to help carry on the work of helping those in need in our community. If you would like to find out more about volunteering, please call 831-336-8258, x228. You’ll meet great people and have fun, too!
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For more information about any of these events, call VCUM at 831-336-8258, x222.
To make a donation using PayPal, please visit our website at www.vcum.org