Have you noticed how much fun it is to give gifts at Christmas?  Do you recall times when you had to settle for a less-exciting gift, because you just couldn’t afford to buy what you wanted to buy?  Maybe so, but do you recall a Christmas when you had absolutely NOTHING to give, to your family, your friends, or worst of all, your children?

That’s the reality for some members of our community – every dollar is going to basic necessities, and they simply have no way to feel the joy of GIVING at Christmas.  That’s the reason for the Pass-Along Party, an annual event sponsored by the Food At First free meal program / perishable food pantry.

We’re accepting new and gently-used merchandise – anything at all, though we particularly need toys, books, and gift-wrapping supplies.  (We’ve collected clothes in the past, but have received a huge donation, so we don’t need clothing this year!)  On the day of the event (December 18th), we’ll lay it all out, and let our Guests select items for themselves, as well as items to give as gifts (“passing it along” to someone else.)  This is “re-gifting” at its best!!

So…  do you have some nice items that you’d like to donate?  Drop-off times are as follows:
Monday, December 13th @ 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Tuesday, December 14th @ 7:30 – 8:30 AM
Wednesday, December 15th @ 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, December 16th @ 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Donations should be taken to our NEW LOCATION for this event – it’s a garage downtown, in the building now owned by Triplett Insurance – on Burnett Ave, between 5th and 6th Streets.  There will be signs, so you’ll know you’re in the right place.  And yes, your donations are tax-deductible – please provide us with an estimate of the value of your contribution, and we will send a letter acknowledging receipt, for your tax records.

Please note: because the date is coming up so quickly, this may be the ONLY TIME that you’ll hear about this – please stick this article in your purse or pocket, to remind you to follow through on those good intentions!  If you have any questions, please call Scott Walker at 708-6955 or e-mail him at scott@foodatfirst.com.  This Christmas, you have a chance to make some special memories for someone you’ll probably never meet, making your own Christmas Day a little bit sweeter as well.