Manchester Family Service Christmas Shop Adoption Program and Gift Giving

Manchester Family Service is collecting food, gifts, and specific clothing items for local families in need this Christmas season.

The Manchester Family Service will hold its annual CHRISTMAS SHOP from 9am to noon on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the St. Mary Parish Center, 110 E. Madison St., Manchester. At the “shop,” many families and individuals in our community who are assisted by MFS will receive gifts and items of food and clothing. There are several ways contributions can be made and you are invited to consider one or more of them.   

Our popular “Christmas Adopting” project is for organizations, local businesses, and families or individuals that wish to enter into the spirit of giving by purchasing gifts for one of our seniors, singles, and/or families who have indicated that they would like to be adopted. Information on gender, age, and gift ideas for each individual as well as a suggested range of spending is available. Gifts should not be wrapped. If you wish to take part in this project by adopting a Family, contact John Sahakian phone 734-428-7183 or email manchesterfamilyservice@gmail.com. To adopt a senior or single, contact Marlene Uphaus; phone 734-428-8403 or email muphaus@aol.com.

These gifts can be brought to the Manchester  Community Schools Board room in the Administration Building at 410 City Rd. on Tuesday or Wednesday, Dec. 15 & 16 between the hours of 3-7 p.m.

Donations of gifts (“like new” and unwrapped please) for all ages from infants, children and youth to adults and especially seniors are always welcome. Toys, linens, sweaters, coats & warm jackets, scarves, gloves & mittens and groceries are items that have been given in the past. These will all be distributed at the shop. Please, no clothing-or shoes-other than what has been specified.  

The IN-GATHERING DAY for bringing these gifts and other items is Friday, December 18 between the hours of 9am and 5pm at the St. Mary Parish Center. On that day, the paper and non-perishable food items that have been collected by the Scouts and Manchester Community Schools are also brought. In the afternoon, all items are sorted and packed. Volunteering to help during this time is yet another way in which you can help.

And last, but not least, financial contributions are encouraged. This money is put toward expenses incurred for the Christmas Shop and for expenditures during the year for such things as emergency rent and utility assistance or our monthly Food Gatherers Day. Please send your financial donation by December 1 to Manchester Family Service, John Sahakian, Treasurer, P.O. Box 471, Manchester, MI 48158.

If you have questions regarding the Christmas Shop, please contact John Sahakian at 428-7183 or Mary Sue Moore at 428-8687.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.