Gifts Due at St. John's by November 8, 2009

The goal is 985 gifts and books for ChIPs (Children of Incarcerated Parents).  It is an annual diocesan program in its 32nd year that gathers donations of Christmas gifts and books (or cash to be used to procure books and gifts) from congregations throughout the diocese.  Diocesan Convention delegates deliver the gifts to Concord when they attend Convention.  Last year they more than filled a truck. In addition to buying gifts and books or making a contribution, volunteers are needed to sort gifts (Nov. 14 - 18) and to wrap the gifts on December 1st.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Margaret Mackie-Ciancio at (603) 432-7679 or mmciancio@comcast.net.

Guidelines for gifts:

• Gifts are sorted according these age groups:
  • birth to 2 years
  • ages 3 - 4 years
  • ages 5 - 7 years
  • ages 8 -11 years
  • ages 12 - 15 years.
• Monetary value = $20. Gifts should not exceed $20 (original retail value).
• One $20 gift is preferable to four $5 gifts, as it is difficult to group items to equal a $20 total.
• If you cannot purchase a $20 gift, any monetary donation will be gladly accepted.
• Books are a separate category. Our goal is to provide each child with a gift and a book. (Both hard cover and paperback books are appropriate.)
• If you purchase a gift that requires batteries, please purchase those as well and attach them to the gift. It’s disappointing to get a gift without needed batteries.
• Consider buying a gift that’s appropriate for both boys and girls, such as balls or board games.
• Don’t forget the older children. There is always a shortage of gifts for older children. (CDs are one idea.)

The Following cannot be Accepted:

• Used items, homemade items, or gift cards.
• Balloons
• Crayons
• Jewelry
• Play dough
• Glue
• Bubbles
• Makeup
• Long sticks or paint brushes
• Glass items
• Clothing
• Sharp tools or toy weapons of any kind.