Lisa Kerstetter, director of marketing and events with CrossNet Ministries, noted that this year's Christmas Gift Program will not be the same. "It will be a drive-through pickup this year," she stated. However, she added that she and CrossNet food and nutrition manager Amy Marburger are able to make a special addition for 2020. "Each family will receive a Christmas meal including a ham," said Kerstetter.
Organizers of the CrossNet Christmas Gift Program expect to serve more than 500 ELANCO School District children who regularly receive free lunches or who have been financially affected by COVID-19 restrictions. To provide the program, CrossNet offers area residents the opportunity to take part in one or more of three giving programs.
First, participants may choose to sponsor a local family. Those opting for this route will receive a wish list for each child in the family. The list will include items children need and want, along with a reading suggestion. Individuals and groups that would like to sponsor a family should contact CrossNet at 717-355-2454 by Thursday, Nov. 12, so Kerstetter can match donors with families.
The second option is to bring a toy to a local donation bin. Kerstetter has 20 toy collection bins to be placed in churches, businesses, or other areas of the community. Organizations that would like a bin to fill may contact CrossNet. Toys that may be placed in bins include miniature cars, sports equipment, children's books, action figure toys, Legos, board games, educational baby toys, craft sets, and stocking stuffer items. Kerstetter noted that bins can be found at Coffee Co on East Main Street, Martin's Auto Sales, Buehler Family Dental, Hostetter Realty, Bethany Grace Fellowship, Prosper Bank (formerly Coatesville Savings Bank), and Meridian Products. Items should be placed in bins by Wednesday, Dec. 9.
A third way to take part in the program is to give to the stocking stuffer drive. Items that are sought include small toys and books, keychains, playing cards, glow sticks, harmonicas, candy, chewing gum, earbuds, lip balm, travel-size personal items, hair accessories, sticky notes, stickers, small puzzles, wallets, jewelry sets, and beef jerky. Stocking stuffer items should be delivered to the CrossNet Youth Center at 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, by Wednesday, Dec. 9. Donation hours will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Dec. 7, 8, and 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
On Saturday, Dec. 12, sponsored families will come to CrossNet to pick up their gifts. Kerstetter explained that families will drive up to the garage door to receive their meal and then move on to a second stop where they will receive gifts along with wrapping paper and tape. Donations of wrapping paper and tape will be appreciated as well.
Adult volunteers are needed to help sort incoming gifts during the week prior to the event, and some volunteers will be needed on Dec. 12. Readers who wish to volunteer may call the CrossNet office or email lisa@elancocross.org.
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