#:                                             18        

 

Title:                                         “Joy to the World”

 

Exhibitor:                                  Teena Stucki

 

Description:                              At Christmas time, love between neighbors is often shown

with gifts and food items galore.  Because of our abundance, we (several neighbors) decided to donate the money we would spend on neighbor gifts to those in need.  We throw a neighborhood Christmas party (usually the first Monday in December) to gather the funds, sip hot cider, and enjoy one another’s company.  Through the generosity of our neighbors, thousands of dollars have been donated and the feeling of Christmas truly has been shared among neighbors.

 

How To’s:                                Organization Tips

                                                Invitation Flyer

                                                Reminder Flyer


Organization Tips:

 

1.                  Decide early.   This idea works best with lots of notice (for those early Christmas shoppers in your neighborhood), but can be done with as little as one-month notice.   Find several neighbors who will help you with the planning and in carrying out the plans.

2.                  Send out a flyer outlining your intentions.  (See sample flyer #1.)

3.                  Find a place to donate your funds.   During the year, search for places to use the money you will collect.  There are many state and local agencies that can always use your help.   We have found success giving the money to inner-city church missionaries.   The money is used on needs of both members and those not of our faith.  Because of their knowledge of situations, these missionaries have proved invaluable.   We ask for an accounting of the use of the funds so that we can talk about it and share with our neighbors the stories of the good that the money has accomplished.  You will be amazed how you will hear of people in need – because you are looking for them.

4.                  November reminder flyer.  The second week of November, send out a flyer about the Neighborhood Christmas Party.  (See sample flyer #2.)

5.                  Ask for neighbor help.  Start asking neighbors to help with supplies for the party as part of their donation:  paper products, refreshments, clean up, entertainment, etc.  People are very willing to help.

6.                  Location.  Because this is a neighborhood party, the meetinghouse is not used to host the event.  We have had it in a lovely, centrally located home in our neighborhood.   We are looking for an outdoor location for next year – with fire barrels and family caroling. 

7.                  Date and time.  We have found that having the Christmas party the first Monday of December really works for us.  It is done as an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., to enable families to come as part of their home evenings and also to allow flexibility with busy December schedules.

8.                  Be ready and organized.   On the night of the party, have food and supplies organized and the money jar in a conspicuous place.  Assign someone to be in charge of watching the money at all times – to keep it secure.

9.                  Money.  During clean up, two people count the money.  We have opened a special savings account in two names, in which we deposit the money.

10.               Disposition of funds.   Be very careful with the disposition of the funds.  Always work with at least two people and keep accurate records.   Some funds were given in cash (to maintain anonymity), while others are given in a cashiers check. 

11.              Enjoy the holidays.  Enjoy the holiday season trimmer, less harried, less cluttered, and share the joy of neighborhood love and abundance with those who are in need.  The Christmas season will be even brighter as we reflect on the words of the Savior when he said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

12.              Start over again.  This has become a Christmas tradition in our neighborhood.  It is a fun way to share the season with those we love.

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Invitation Flyer:

 

 

 

 

THOSE EXTRA CHRISTMAS POUNDS

GOT YOU DOWN?

NO ROOM ON THE SHELVES FOR

ANOTHER NEIGHBOR GIFT?

TIRED OF THINKING OF SOMETHING NEW TO

GIVE YOUR NEIGHBOR FOR CHRISTMAS?

 

WE HAVE THE

SOLUTION!!!

 

Gather all the money you would spend on neighbor gifts and

join with your neighbors in sharing of our

abundance with those less fortunate. 

We will gather on the first Monday in December to

donate our money, enjoy an evening of lights,

music, friendship, and refreshments.

Involve your families in saving money for this cause!

 

Let’s spread the great love and friendship found here in our neighborhood with those less fortunate!!!

 

Questions???  Call:

 

 

 

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Reminder Flyer:

 

3rd Annual Neighborhood

Fundraiser Christmas Party

 

Monday, December 4, 2000

6:30-8:30 p.m.

John Smith home

20030 N 1446 E

 

The time is near,

To spread some cheer,

For those who stand in need.

 

So let’s join with each other,

And share with our brothers,

The blessings we have received.

 

THE MONEY WE’D SPEND

ON OUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS

WILL BE GATHERED INSTEAD FOR THE POOR…

 

That our message this night

Might reflect Jesus’ light

To brighten their holiday door.

 

Come mingle with your neighbors for this worthwhile event.   Enjoy an evening of lights, music, friendship, and refreshments, (donuts and cider) while supporting our fundraiser for those less fortunate.  Donations will be accepted again to provide Christmas for local needy families

 

Hope to see you there.  Happy Holidays!

For questions, Please contact:

Betty Brown

Sally Smith

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