LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — 2022 will mark the 27th year the Catholic Action Center in Lexington will host its Faith & Community Christmas Store.
It serves as the center’s way of making sure every Christmas tree has gifts under it, and no stocking goes unstuffed this holiday season.
Now through Dec. 20, the center is asking for donations of new or gently used toys and gifts.
Gifts for all age groups are being accepted but donations for preteens and teenagers are often the most difficult to find.
Some gift ideas include sports equipment, art supplies, and hair/makeup kits to name a few.
During the pandemic, the Catholic Action Center hosted the store in a drive-thru format during the pandemic.
Leaders say they’re so happy to be able to see everyone again in person this year.
“It is meant to be able to fill in the gap of other programs,” said Director and Co-Founder for the Catholic Action Center Ginny Ramsey. “People have to sign up in advance, they have to prove something in order to be on the list which we understand. This has always been a way for 27 years that the community can fill in that gap, and also volunteer and be part of those wonderful three days of giving.”
If you want to donate, and plan on doing so before Dec. 10, you can drop them off at one of the following locations:
- Catholic Action Center, 1055 Industry Road
- Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, 605 Hill N Dale Road
- Christ the King School, 412 Cochran Road
If you plan on donating after Dec. 10 before the store opens its doors on Dec. 19, you can do so at the Christmas store’s location at Employment Solutions, 1165 Centre Parkway.
While gift donations are the biggest way you can help the Catholic Action Center, it is not the only way.
The center is also in need of personal shoppers, inventory organizers, food distributors, and package carriers.
Ramsey says this is the time of year to share joy, community, and love, as well as to reflect on what is most important.
“Loving each other is most important and this is one way we do show it,” Ramsey explained. “So that people know that there is a community that cares. Not just one or two or 10 days a year. But every day and that they are part of our community, and we don’t want to leave no one out.”
If you are interested in volunteering, you must be able to work a full shift, but you can find the sign-up sheet here.
This year in particular will be especially challenging for many families with inflation at an all-time high.
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The Catholic Action Center does not charge a penny for gifts people get when they come to the store, furthering the center’s commitment to helping and welcoming all who are in need.
Ramsey believes that no family should have to make the difficult choice between having food on the table, or their children having a gift to open.
“So, we are here to let them know the community wants you to celebrate and enjoy the real spirit of Christmas just as we all do and hope to do on Christmas morning,” Ramsey said.
The store opens its doors on Dec. 19, which is when tickets will be available.
Starting at 7 a.m., tickets will be available on a first come first serve basis and will be available until 7 p.m. or until they run out.
Depending on when you get your ticket, will determine what day you have access to the store, whether it be Dec. 19, 20, or 21.
The center’s policy is one ticket per family and no children are allowed in the store.
For any further questions about the Christmas store, you can find answers here, or reach out to the Catholic Action Center directly at 859-514-7210 or via email at caclex2000@gmail.com.
