Christmas Food Baskets 2011

History

For many years Third Church has had a tradition of providing Christmas Baskets to needy families in Rochester. Through 2009, the congregation always brought in food donations which were stored in the Education Building, sorted and packed during the week and delivered on the Sunday before Christmas. Many people also contributed money to be used to purchase items such as bread, produce and non-food items. In earlier years, turkeys and hams were contributed as well. In recent years, however, TOPs gift cards were given to the recipients to allow them to purchase the meat of their choice.

In 2010, because of construction, the church could not be used to store food and pack Christmas Baskets. So a new system, Christmas Baskets—"Construction Version" was developed. Church members were asked to “adopt” a family and provide that family with a Christmas Dinner. Seventy church families each “adopted” one of seventy families recommended by RCSD schools #35 and #6, and by RAIHN. Each church donor family purchased, packed and delivered food on Saturday, one week before Christmas. The congregation donated funds to purchase TOPS gift cards and to reimburse adopting families forfood costs over a certain amount.

What about Christmas Baskets in 2011? .... Learn More ...