A Brief History of Christmas in the City

In 1998, the community leaders that we were working with expressed a desire for another way to experience the Christmas season other than the traditional handouts they received in the past.  It's not that they were ungrateful for the one new or used present they received for each of their children but just a hope for a better way to participate in the joyful act of giving gifts in Christmas celebration with their family. They knew they couldn't really afford much and often had multiple children but with all of that, they asked if there was a way to be able to choose the gift that they knew their daughter was hoping for or that their son drew a picture of. Well, after much research and showing the community leaders the many different versions of toy donation programs, these families encouraged Hope in the City to start its first annual Christmas in the City store where families could buy new toys for their little children at dramatically reduced prices.

Now, eleven Christmas Store events later, the hard-working families of City Heights look forward this time of modest shopping for their children. This event traditionally serves fifty to seventy families with an average of 3 children per family. While the kids make all kinds of fun Christmas crafts and eat yummy treats, their parents get to embark on a civilized shopping experience including great perks like free gift wrapping stations and helmets included with bike/scooter purchases!

Thanks for your interest in helping out with this great annual event that allows the families in City Heights, often the working poor, participate in the Christmas gift-giving season in a realistic but dignified manner!

Christmas in the City '08 Community Sponsor Letter and Flyer

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems   ~ Gandhi