Christmas in July 2026: A Beautiful and Successful Fundraiser for The Christmas Store

 

On Saturday July 11, New Albany’s First Methodist Church (FMC) hosted its Third Christmas in July Tablescapes. The event is a fundraiser for the The Christmas Store, which will mark its 27th year of supporting Union County families who need an assist with holiday gifts for their children.

The Christmas Store was born of an idea from FMC member Jennifer (J.J.) Harris, who  wanted to help needy parents at Christmas. The project has grown over the years to a Christian mission that now helps serve from 400 to 600 children at Christmas. In addition to those families who apply, The Christmas Store also serves the 60 or so children who are in the custody of Child Protection Services during the Christmas holidays.

Tablescapes was conceived as a continuing source of funding for The Christmas Store. Many dozens of community businesses, Tablescapes Committee Members, Table Sponsors and other volunteers are involved in making Christmas in July the beautiful and successful event it has quickly become. Tables are artistically decorated by their sponsors, using their personal holiday china, glassware, flowers, and other decorative details. When the doors open, 100 or more individuals who’ve bought tickets enjoy a delicious lunch and chatting with friends (old & new) in a beautiful setting. They also participate in a silent auction of items donated by local businesses and individuals, as well as in casting their (unlimited) $1.00 votes for their favorite tables’ decor.

A lovely and tasty lunch was prepared by Caroline Peters. Members of the FMC youth group provided excellent service. Bethany Dalton oversaw a wonderful and very popular cheese cake bar; coffee was donated by High Point Roasters.

This year, the silent auction raised $2147 and the Tablescapes totaled $3043. Ticket sales totals are not yet available; we will update as the figures become available. Auction winners and Tablescape winners are announced in the video below. You may note that the winning table raised $1776. Coincidence? I think not, considering our nation’s birthday this year. But either way – well done, ladies!

In early December, the First Methodist Church Gym will transform into The Christmas Store. For one day and two evenings, parents whose applications have been aproved will come to shop for gifts for their children. Christmas Store workers will know who is coming for each session and for how many children they will be shopping. Gifts will be arranaged by suggested ages; shoppers will have carts and a volunteer to help them navigate the store. Both trditional and educational gifts will be available. Shoppers will leave with two gifts and a book for each child. Once selected, gifts will be taken home by the shoppers to be wrapped and given to the children in accordance with their own family holiday traditions.

Shopping begins on the day after Christmas for the upcoming year, with Beth Prater always determined to get the most value for each dollar spent. First Methodist Church provides storage space for the gifts as they are gathered throughout the year, but The Christmas Store is not a church budget item. Funding comes from church members, church classes, men’s groups and support from the local community as a whole. Support for The Christmas Store has come to include, not only the First Methodist members, but also many community and civic organizations. Many people from the area undergird the outreach project with their time, labor, fund-raising events, direct donations, etc.

The Christmas in July Tablescapes event and, ultimately, The Christmas Store both owe their success to the continuing dedication of a host of volunteers. This year was a success at all levels. Congratulations to everyone involved! One person near me was heard to say she thought Christmas in July was the most beautiful event she had ever attended. High praise, indeed!

Applications for the Christmas Store shopping go to schools and daycares and can also be picked up at the First Methodist Church.

Interested volunteers can contact First Methodist Church at 662-534-2206 or https://firstmethodistnewalbany.com/contact/

 

Christmas in July 2026_Auction donors, Committee Members, Table Sponsors

 

Christmas in July Video: (by Kim Davis)