There are a few reasons for this. This first is that we try to make sure we have enough gifts for every participant. It's important to know the approximate ages of all the children we're trying to help, because we'd hate to run out of gifts before you get there for your shopping time! The second, is that we check everyone in as they come to the event so that we know they have been invited to shop. If we have people coming in who were not invited, then we risk running out of gifts for those who were. 

As we do this event, we learn from our mistakes. Last year quite a few of our emails ended up getting caught in junk mail filters, and we know that there were people who missed out on their shopping day because of this. This year, we are asking for a phone number as well, so that we have other options to get in touch if email doesn't work. 

All donated funds will be used to purchase things that will be given away to the participating families. As the event approaches, we take inventory of our donated items, and we identify any gaps in what we have. If we need more gifts for infants, that's what we buy. If we're short on gifts for teenagers, then we focus on purchasing those. We also buy grocery items so that every family can leave with some food for the holidays!

Visit our 'supporters' page to see all the ways you can help out. We are always looking for donations, volunteers, business partners, and community organizations who would like to help us keep our Free Christmas Shopping Day growing!