Family Services Preparing for Annual Christmas Shop

Elementary students are collecting canned food for Family Services in Klager's lobby. If the student reach their goal of 1,500 they will be rewarded with a pajama day! Photo Courtesy of Klager Elementary

Manchester Family Services is preparing to open their Christmas Shop Saturday, December 20 from 9am to noon at St. Mary’s Parish Center, something they’ve been doing for close to 50 years. Mary Sue Moore, of Family Services states that this year they will be serving about 175 individuals, which is consistent with numbers from recent years. They will receive groceries, including a ham and fresh fruit and then "shop" for gift items which have been donated by the community.

But, Family Services is in need of donations to stock the Christmas Shop. Much needed items are toys, household goods, cleaning supplies, personal care items, winter coats & jackets, sweaters and especially grocery items. Toys, household items and winter outerwear can be new or gently used. Grocery items most needed include cleaning products, personal care items, canned goods (no glass containers please), baking supplies, and boxed items such as cereal, cake mixes, pastas, etc.

Donations can be brought to St. Mary’s Parish Center at 110 E. Madison on Friday, December 19 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Questions about the Christmas Shop? Contact Mary Sue Moore of Manchester Family Services at 428-8687 or via e-mail at MSJOE56@aol.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.