The Christmas season is a time when followers of Jesus reflect on the greatest gift God has ever given us—Jesus.  He would go on to live a perfect life and, in an act of self-giving, lay aside his glory and was born into the human race. This gift of Jesus is what compels us to express generosity to people in our city this Christmas season through Joy for All. This year Downtown Hope is partnering with Germantown Elementary School to make Christmas possible for children and families in our city who are facing economic challenges. 

The goal is to come alongside 25 families at Germantown Elementary School in a way that empowers them to provide gifts and groceries for their children this Christmas. 

How are we inviting our church family to participate?

To make participation as simple as possible, we’ve put together some easy steps to help you join us through Joy For All.

STEP 1 | SELECT

Germantown Elementary School

To sponsor a child, select a name from the Joy For All tree (beginning December 6) or register here.  If you are part of a group or team, consider participating together. Once you select a name, you will receive an email with gift ideas and clothing and shoe sizes. 

To sponsor a family by providing groceries, select a name from the Joy For All tree (beginning December 6). 

If you or someone you know would benefit from Joy For All, we would love to walk with you in that. 

STEP 2 | SHOP 

Germantown Elementary School

Using the wish list, shop for 4 to 6 gifts for each child you sponsor. You are welcome to go above and beyond that; however, we recommend setting a budget to make sure you stay within your means. Be sure to purchase wrapping paper and tape to make it easy for parents to wrap gifts. Consider including a card with an encouraging note to the family. 

For grocery sponsorships, simply purchase a gift card for $100 from a local grocery store and a Christmas card to put it in.  Personalize the card by writing an encouraging message to the family. 

If you’re not in a position to shop, one of our designated shoppers would love to do that for you.  Contact us at info@downtownhope.org.   

STEP 3 | SHARE

Germantown Elementary School

Bring gifts, wrapping paper, tape and/or gift card to our Sunday gatherings on or before December 21. Be sure to label the gifts with the child’s name and family number.  

Gifts can be picked up on December 21 between 1 - 3p from Downtown Hope, 255 West Street, Annapolis, MD.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

GET THE WORD OUT.  It’s important that we spread the word to the people in our lives who could make this program a success.  You can do this by inviting others to participate.  If you are part of a group or team, consider participating together.

DONATE.  Support this and the other ways our church is serving like Jesus by making a donation at [downtownhope.org/give]     

VOLUNTEER.  This year, we have a few ways you can serve.

  • Volunteer to serve as a shopper for those who want to participate but cannot shop for gifts

  • Volunteer to make home deliveries for families who are not able pick up gifts on the distribution day

  • Volunteer to help organize and distribute gifts from Downtown Hope on December 21