CrossNet Prepares For Christmas Giveaway

Lisa Kerstetter, director of marketing and events with CrossNet Ministries, wants donors to the Christmas Gift Program to know that this year there is a new option for gifting to students in the ELANCO School District. "They could do a gift card drive," explained Kerstetter, who noted that gift card drives will support a new portion of the giving program.

"All the years that we have (held this), the teenagers have been hard to match because they are hard to shop for," explained Kerstetter. "More and more kids were asking for gift cards, so I thought, 'What if we offer that?'" The new option, for students in the ninth grade and above, will mean young people can ask for a gift card to a specific store and make their own purchases. "Instead of getting a pair of jeans they don't like, they can get something they like," said Kerstetter, who is hoping to pair the gift cards with kits of personal care items.

Organizers of the CrossNet Christmas Gift Program expect to serve more than 500 ELANCO School District children who regularly receive free lunches. To provide the program, CrossNet offers area residents the opportunity to take part in one or more of several giving programs.

As in the past, participants may choose to sponsor a local family. Those opting for this route will receive a wish list for each child in the family. The list will include items children need and want, along with a reading suggestion. Individuals and groups that would like to sponsor a family should contact CrossNet at 717-355-2454 by Thursday, Nov. 10, so Kerstetter can match donors with families.

Another option is to bring a toy to one of 20 donation bins Kerstetter has ready to be placed in churches, businesses, or restaurants. Organizations that would like a bin to fill may contact CrossNet. Items that may be placed in bins include sports equipment, children's books, Legos, board games, craft sets, and stocking stuffer items. Items should be placed in bins by Thursday, Dec. 1.

Those who prefer to give smaller items may take part in a stocking stuffer drive. Items that are sought include small toys and books, keychains, playing cards, candy, earbuds, lip balm, travel-size personal items, sticky notes, and jewelry sets. Stocking stuffer items should be delivered to the CrossNet Youth Center at 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland, by Wednesday, Dec. 7. Donation hours will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6, and 7.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, sponsored families will come to CrossNet to pick up their gifts. Kerstetter explained that families will receive their gifts; a Christmas meal, including a whole ham, potatoes, and all the fixings to cook; and cookies, along with wrapping paper and tape.

Adult volunteers are needed to help sort incoming gifts during the week prior to the event, and some volunteers will be needed on Dec. 10. Donations of wrapping paper and tape will be appreciated as well. Readers who wish to volunteer may visit https://signup.com/go/zYHDrLi. Individuals with specific questions may call the CrossNet office or email lisa@elancocross.org.