First Methodist Church’s inaugural Christmas in July Tablescapes Luncheon benefits the Christmas Store ministry

It has been about a quarter century since Jennifer (J.J.) Harris had the idea for a community outreach program for “Union County families who need help” at Christmas. Harris suggested that her church, First Methodist Church of New Albany, work to help parents provide gifts for their children.

Out of her idea, the Christmas Store was born. This Christmas, the store will celebrate its 25th year of community service. For two days in early December, those whose applications have been accepted will be invited to come and “shop” for toys for their children. Shoppers only need to bring with them the invitation they receive once their application is accepted.

First Methodist Church, New Albany MS

In addition to families who apply, the Christmas Store also serves the 50-60 children in custody of the Child Protection Services during the holiday season.

Before the store opens for shoppers, the Christmas Store workers know who is coming each day and how many children they will be shopping for. The store has served as many as 600 Union County children, but numbers typically run in the 300s. The children served range from a few weeks of age to about 5th grade level.

Beth Prater is responsible for overseeing shopping for gifts, setting up the store for shoppers. Carts are available for shoppers to use and each shopper has a volunteer assistant who accompanies them. More volunteers serve as “runners” who continuously replenish the tables as items are selected. “We know the number of children we will be serving, as well as their sex and ages. Our goal is to provide quality toys that all children will like, and to allow the parents the experience of shopping for their own children, choosing items that they know will be loved.”

Toys and books are arranged by suggested ages. Parents use a shopping cart and have a volunteer assistant accompanying them as they shop for the children on their invitation. There are even interpreters on hand to assist those whose “first language” is not English. “There are no wish lists involved,” says Prater, “though we do try to fulfill requests when possible. Some may want a blond-haired doll, a Lego set or a particular game, etc.” Some toys are purely for play, others are educational, because parents like to have both.

Shoppers leave with two toys and a book for each child. Additionally, there are coloring books and crayons. The shoppers take their selections home to be wrapped and given to their kids according to their own holiday traditions.

Over the years, support for perpetuation of The Christmas Store has centered upon First Methodist Church. Much of the labor pool comes from church members and staff, and the merchandise is stored at the church as it is purchased throughout the year. However, the Christmas Store is not a church budget item.

Christmas Store funding has involved many individuals in the New Albany community at large. In addition to FMC Sunday School classes, there has been a great deal of help in all phases of the project from civic groups, men’s groups, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, direct donations, “Bring a Toy” events, etc. Bargain shopping has become a year-round hunt for the best prices on quality toys.  Annual sales, holiday specials and post Thanksgiving “Black Friday” shopping excursions, etc. contribute to the goal of providing a broad selection of quality items. The recent growth of extended on-line sales events has been a big boost to this part of the program. On average, $30-$40 is spent per child, so Prater and her shoppers must ensure that they are getting the most bang possible for their buck.

Carla Stanford announces auction winners

A “Christmas in July” fundraiser emerged from an ambitious idea for raising funds to support The Christmas Store. Carla Stanford had suggested that a “Tablescapes Luncheon” format could boost funds and become a continuing source of funding for the Christmas Store ministry.

Planning began for a festive Christmas themed luncheon, to be held in the church gym. Tickets to the event were sold to interested members of the public. Committee members volunteered to provide a unique tablescape for each table.

On Saturday July 13, 2024, over 100 guests were seated at tables for eight, each decorated with unique seasonal decorations. Myriad place settings of lovely china held delicious food catered by Amy and Eli Whiteside.  Beautiful place cards by Caroline Boatwright helped each guest locate her seat. There was a lot of Christmas cheer to be seen and plenty of opportunity to chat with old friends or make new ones.

Guests visited a silent auction area to place their bids and checked out all the tablescapes. They voted for their favorite tablescapes by donating one dollar per vote to the selected table(s). Of course, since raising funds for children was the object, everyone was free to buy as many votes as they wished for as many tables as they wished. To add to the fun, there were several door prizes.

Ann Elizabeth Buys, Miss Mississippi 2017

Anne Elizabeth Buys, Miss Mississippi 2017, was the featured speaker. Buys is currently Director of Ministries at the Triumph Church in Vicksburg, MS.

This “first ever” event was a success and raised substantial funding for the Christmas Store.  The initiative and hard work of the dozens of people named on the Tablescapes Committee 2024 page will help many Union County children enjoy a happy family Christmas experience this year.

Applications for the Christmas Store shopping go to schools 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/