Every year people get motivated to help out hurting families during the holiday season, it makes us feel better. The families we help have been hurting all year, but they too get excited that the holidays are coming because they have learned that the community will get busy and help out with meals, money, and Christmas presents - they do it every year.

Community Resource Partners, Inc. is hosting a different effort this year. They will be hosting an Affordable Christmas event similar to the event hosted by Mission: St Louis using the newly remodeled facilities of The Summit, a
non-denominational church, just behind Metro Lighting at 927 East Terra Lane.

What is different? Donations from people all over the community will provide gifts for children and their parents. Not different so far… Families are being selected from referrals provided by local elementary schools, HOPE food pantry, and neighbors which are then contacted and introduced to individuals that will establish relationships with the family – kind of different. For Christmas, the families will be involved in the main event on December 1^st where they will come and be treated to breakfast and a family portrait before engaging in their personal Christmas shopping experience. They will pick out gifts for each child that they will then pay for, only at an affordable price which is typically about 1/10 of the retail price – okay, now that is a different approach. All items are new, they choose presents themselves then pay for the gifts themselves. The children will also get to shop for a gift for mom and dad. All the gifts are wrapped by volunteers and the family takes the gifts home to put them under their tree.

This opportunity allows families to provide Christmas within their own budget and with dignity. This is not a hand-out program, but a hand-up opportunity. As a
community, there is still an opportunity to give to those less fortunate, but not as an entitlement creating dependency. Long term relationship building will hopefully establish the opportunity to walk with families through the year, guiding them to possible other help programs aimed at establishing self-support such as emotional and financial counseling, medical help, food and utility help, and whatever else is needed. The goal is to assist individuals in establishing independence by walking with them as long as is necessary.

Anyone or any business wanting to donate Christmas gifts or money to purchase gifts can send it to Community Resource Partners, Inc. at 927 East Terra Ln., O’Fallon,
MO 63366. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information or would like to check us out, please feel free to call 636-978-4545 or email outreach@thesummitstl.com.