Angel Tree 2022 - Please bring gifts by December 14th
As part of our rich Christmas tradition, First Presbyterian Church has always been very generous in helping local organizations provide Christmas gifts for their clients through our Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree still has many ornaments with opportunities to give! We are partnering with Bridge Refugee Services, Dogwood Elementary School, the YWCA and our very own FISH pantry to provide gifts and meet other needs this year. Please see below for the needs that are available and need to be purchased.
For dropping off your gifts, there will be 4 boxes with each organization’s name clearly visible near the tree in the Fellowship Hall. Please place the wrapped gifts in the properly designated boxes in the Fellowship Hall and attach the ornament to the outside of the item by Wednesday, December 14th. We are grateful for your support and love of our neighbors in Knoxville. Please check out the lists below for each organization.
FISH Pantry:
We are asking for items that we either have to buy from the store (not available at Second Harvest) or that FISH clients have asked for. All food items need to be somewhat “durable” since it could be several months before they are given away. Fresh food and “soft food (e.g. snack cakes) should be avoided. We also do not distribute food that requires refrigeration or freezing (except eggs and bread).
Items needed for FISH Pantry:
Bar soap, individually wrapped, medium size
Dessert item (cookie, candy), individually wrapped, with good shelf life
Liquid dish detergent, 12 ounces or less
Ramen Noodles, in wrapped packages
Peanut Butter, creamy or crunchy, 16 ounce jars
Ground coffee, any size can, any brand (regular or decaf)
Reusable shopping bags, woven plastic, lightweight
Disposable razors or shaving supplies
“Cheap”, durable backpack
Shampoo - small size (bigger than travel size)
Dogwood Elementary:
We are supporting their 6 3rd grade teachers with a $25 Target gift card for each of them! You can put these in the Dogwood Elementary box.
Bridge Refugee Services:
It is almost Christmas; Bridge Refugees is asking all friends and partners to help refugee children with a gift for the season. These kiddos who’ve lost family, home, cultural connections, schooling, friends, and more now are here in Knoxville Tennessee. “It’s good to see the joy on their faces with all they’ve been through.”
As a church, we have been called to share the love of Jesus with everyone. We have been chosen to be His ambassadors here on earth. His hands and feet to the hungry, the lost, and the forgotten. There are things you can do right now to share love and hope with young people in our community. We have many children from different countries, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Venezuela, etc.…
This is the list of toys for Christmas for Bridge Refugee Services:
Sports balls – basketball, soccer, tennis sets, kickball, jump ropes, hula hoops
Art sets
Makeup/hair accessory/products/perfume sets for older girls
Bead/jewelry-making sets
Music toys
Science/engineering sets – experiments or magnets, etc
Toy Cars
Sidewalk chalk
Legos
Letter/shape matching toys/play mats
Dollhouses
Lockable journals
Puzzles
Electronic books and toys to help kids learn words and colors
YWCA/The Phyllis Wheatly Center
Walmart gift cards
Target gift cards
Kroger gift cards
Fast food gift cards
Women’s winter coats – size 10 and above
Women’s winter clothing – pants
Women’s winter clothing – shirts
Women’s winter clothing – socks
Heartfelt thanks to all of you for helping us fill these important needs and spreading some joy during this Christmas season! Please contact the church office with any questions (865) 546-2531.