God’s goodness and blessing through his people was evident to Mission staff and volunteers who worked with the Christmas Store this year. Despite the economic recession, City Union Mission was generously equipped to serve more than 500 families in three weeks, distributing more than 15,000 Christmas gifts worth about $46,000. Volunteers not only collected gifts, but also volunteered to wrap presents and deliver gifts to more than 400 families on delivery day.

Read story about woman who threw a gift party for the City Union Mission!

Scott Wilson, the Mission’s seasonal project supervisor, said that his work with the Christmas Store gave him a whole new perspective on Christmas this year. “I love that through the giving of gifts, we can give people a sense of hope and joy,” he said. “For me it was talking to a mother who had a rough 2008 which included losing her job and possibly her housing. She had no means to provide Christmas for her children, so she came to us for help. Amidst the rough time her family was going through she said that there would still be joy in her house this Christmas season and a hope that 2009 would be better, a fresh start.”

The Mission received – and distributed – more than just material donations this Christmas. Every shopper who came to select gifts heard about the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. More than 100 people accepted that free gift. God also provided for unexpected needs to make sure all clients had the chance to be blessed at Christmas.

"We had a woman come in who spoke Spanish, and just a few words of English. I was working in the store that evening, and I know very little Spanish. I was trying to communicate in Spanish, and not doing a very good job," Scott said. "I just silentle prayed, 'Lord, it sure would be nice if a volunteer came in who could communicate with this woman.'"

“Well, God answers prayer – and quickly! While I knew some volunteers would be coming, I had no idea one of them had spent time as a missionary in Mexico. This volunteer and the Spanish-speaking woman struck up a conversation immediately.”

Thank you to all the volunteers and donors who made this possible!

If you would like to find out how you can be a blessing to the homeless all year long, please click here.

You are God’s Plan for the Poor or Homeless!