Help make Christmas a little brighter for area children and older adults in need by donating a gift-filled shoebox to Jesse Lee Church’s annual “Shoebox Ministry.”
Each December, Jesse Lee works with Ridgefield Social Services and The Association of Religious Communities (ARC) to collect and distribute hundreds of the cheery boxes for those in the area who are less fortunate.
But you don’t need to belong to Jesse Lee to contribute. Everyone in Ridgefield can help.
“The more shoeboxes that are donated, the more people we can make feel remembered and cared for at what can be an especially lonely time of year,” said Jesse Lee organizer Jennifer Mayette. “For some recipients, the shoebox may be the only Christmas present they’ll receive.”
Gift-filled shoeboxes are being accepted at the church for its “Shoebox Sunday” assemblage this Sunday, Dec. 3. (Late drop-offs are welcome through Dec. 11.)
Full details – including required labels to print out and attach to a box – are available at www.jesseleechurch.com/shoebox-ministry-2023.
Any wrapped, lidded shoebox can be used, as well as Christmas-themed boxes available at stores like Michaels, Walmart and Ocean State Job Lot.
Suggested gift items for children include small toys, school supplies, balls, games, cards, candy, art supplies, books, stuffed animals, dolls, socks, mittens, scarves, hats, gloves and personal care items.
Suggested items for older adults include gift cards, slippers, fancy tissues, batteries, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, puzzle books, hard candy, pens, playing cards, stamps, notecards, hand cream and personal care items.
Please no glass items or weapon-themed items. Gift receipts may be included so an exchange for size or color may be made.
Jesse Lee Church is at 207 Main St. For questions, call the church at (203) 438-8791.
Learn more about all of Jesse Lee’s advent-season happenings, including “Amahl & the Night Visitors” on Sat., Dec. 9 and the “Lessons & Carols” service on Sun., Dec. 17, at www.jesseleechurch.com.