4 Gift Marts Spread Christmas Joy

On Saturday, December 17th, Community Christian Church hosted 4 Christmas Gift Marts around Chicagoland . . . 2 in East Aurora, 1 in Joliet, and 1 in Chicago to help low-income families purchase toys for their children and raise thousands of dollars for under-resourced schools.

Between these 4 Gift Marts, we collected almost 13,000 toys, mobilized 1,500 volunteers, partnered with over 100 different churches, businesses, and organizations, served 3,200 people and raised almost $18,000 for our partner schools.

One woman at one of our East Aurora Marts had been waiting in line for hours and a volunteer noticed that she looked like she wasn't feeling very well, so asked if she could help. The woman responded, "I think I am in labor, but I've waited so long and I have to get Christmas presents for my other children." One of our volunteers was a nurse and confirmed that yes, indeed, it appeared that a baby was on the way! Needless to say, we quickly escorted her through the Mart and sent her on her way to the hospital, knowing that her children would have presents to open on Christmas morning.

Thank you for helping the church BE the church and show Christ's love and compassion this Christmas!