Community Christian Church

Joliet's Christmas Gift Mart

Wow, what a time we had. Three days before the Christmas Gift Mart we had enough toys for 2 per child. Two days before we were looking at maybe three toys and on Thursday, we had enough for four toys for each child. God came through again. Included this year was 440 ethnic collectors dolls donated from Terri Lee Associates.Set up went quicker and smother than ever before thanks in no small part to the teachers and staff at Isaac Singleton school. The semi was completely unloaded in a record 20 minutes! We were all set up and ready to go by 6 PM.Shoppers started to arrive at 6 AM. The snow was falling and it was a perfect Christmas atmosphere. The Shining Lights continued to be part of the entertainment and again were a huge hit. The band did medleys of Christmas songs engaging audience participation.Smiles were everywhere. Some shoppers fought back tears with the opportunity not only to shop but with the joyful giving hearts they encountered. Volunteers were eager and helpful to everyone. The time went by so fast that many volunteers did not even think it was time yet to take a break while others actually refused to take a break, concerned they might miss one of the families as they went through the Gift Mart.God keeps blessing us with wonderful opportunities to serve Him and so many feel His spirit that their actions preach the gospel much louder than words ever could. Thank you to all who took part in this Christmas Gift Mart.