Long Beach First Lady Nancy Foster and Better Balance for Long Beach (BBLB), in partnership with the Long Beach Rescue Mission and First Congregational Church, are looking for families who need some help with Christmas gifts.
A new spin on the church’s tradition of giving to underprivileged children, the First Congressional Church is adding on a holiday store to help those invited families who lack financial resources to “shop” for gifts for members of their family. The store, which will make its seasonal debut Dec. 22, gives families the option of making a small donation and gives them the opportunity to obtain gifts in situations they would not be able to afford otherwise.
While most of the store will be stocked with toys, there will also be some gifts for older family members. The BBLB also plans to have an area where children can shop for their parents.
“We are asking your help in identifying families who need and would appreciate this help in their Christmas shopping,” said BBLB event coordinator Jack Smith. “An invitation and appointment to shop at the store will be extended to as many of the families as possible.”
Last year, Foster and the BBLB were able to give presents to nearly 1,000 children, with each child getting his or her own book from Santa himself. Better balance is hoping to expand their inventory, aiming to distribute approximately 2,500 gifts to the families at the store.
The deadline to nominate families is Saturday, Dec. 15. The BBLB ideally is looking for families not already participating in assistance from another organization.
To nominate a family to participate in the holiday store, e-mail Lillian Parker at LillianParker2@yahoo.com with a list of the family members’ names.
For additional information, contact Jack Smith at (562) 426-9002 or Jim Lewis at (562) 591-1292.
