Busy Day, Blessing Boutique

Oh, I just love my church!  The church strives to be  a ray of light in the community by being involved quite often, from handing out free hot cocoa at a parade to passing out free cold bottles of water on a hot summer day to serving many community groups such as soup kitchen, to running a free store for specific areas of the community for people to stock up on free toiletry items. 

Tomorrow is our first Blessing Boutique.  This is a store for parents to shop for baby gear, toys, and children's clothes (even some adult clothes) all for free!  Donations are not required.  It is a chance for people who are struggling to get nice (freshly washed and pressed) clothing without cost at all.

I stayed after MOPS today to help set up.  I had taken several bags of donations to wash and press and put on hangers.  I was amazed as I brought all those items in to the sanctuary.  There was hardly any room to walk!  We were so blessed with donations!  We filled the sanctuary with hanging racks and tables of clothes PLUS we had to put all summer clothes donations into storage PLUS we had stacks of boxes of clothes just ready to be put out as displayed items are claimed.

I am just amazed.  I can see what a huge difference this boutique can have in a family that is struggling for necessities.  I can see how this boutique can allow families to have a nice Christmas for their children (there are even brand new Christmas trees and decorations to be had!).  I was nearly brought to tears.

Thank you to my friend, Missy, who took pictures of the amazing set-up!  Just a note - we were still in the throes of setting up as these pictures were snapped!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for two Christmas Children's books!  Enter daily until Sunday at 6!