By: Brian Baker (Whetstone contributor)

 

As December draws near, Grace for Dover is back in the spirit of giving this Christmas.

At Grace Presbyterian Church, Grace for Dover, which provides faith-based programs, community and advocacy services, will once again be collecting and selling toys through what they call the “Christmas Store.”

Anyone can donate toys to the church, which then sells each toy at a discounted price.

“It is a way for people who cannot afford gifts at store prices,” said group leader Kenny Foster. “It gives them the opportunity to buy a brand new gift for their loved ones, and the dignity of actually purchasing it themselves instead of being gifted to them.”

Foster added that the store is open for donations up until it opens on the first weekend of December.

The success of the store last year and the high hopes for this year could make the Christmas Store an annual event.

“We started last year, and it was pretty successful,” Foster said. “We had over $4,000 worth of toys donated, and we sold all of them.”

Foster said they often get expensive toys.

“But after marking them down almost 75 to 80 percent, a $40 toy becomes only $10.”

Grace parishioner Paul Baker says that he will be donating to the store.

“There are a lot of disadvantaged people, and it gives me a chance to give back to children who are less fortunate,” he said.

Baker recalled his own hard Christmases as a child in California that inspire him to want to give to others.

“One year, our entire Christmas was delivered to us in a brown box,” he said. “It wasn’t much, but we were thankful that some people had at least taken an interest in helping a family who otherwise would have nothing for Christmas.”

Grace for Dover runs ads in the Dover Post to get the word out. Foster said that families in need have been touched by the generosity.

“I’ve seen people crying, so thankful for the chance to give their children gifts and say it was from them,” Foster said. “I saw a family who lost everything in a fire and could not afford store priced toys at the time. The store has helped so many people in the area.”

Grace for Dover hopes to continue the Christmas Store yearly.

Donations can be dropped off at the Grace Church office at 350 McKee Road, Dover, DE 19904.

Kenny Foster, 302-319-4433              Paul Baker, 302-423-7271