As the flurry of the holidays barrel towards, there is often a dizzying pace of all the parties and places we need to be and things we need to do. But in the midst of this, what would it look like for us to slow down and consider those around us who don't have access to these opportunities and blessings?

Over the next several weeks there are a number of opportunities to be a blessing and bring holiday cheer to those in need

Thanksgiving

Supporting Families in Ditmas Park through CAMBA - For three years now, the Ditmas Park Corner's "500 Turkeys for 500 Families" fundraiser has given families the ability to take part in a rare celebration. During this year's Thanksgiving week, when the line for turkeys stretches down Church Avenue, we want to make sure that no one leaves without a complete Thanksgiving meal in hand. CAMBA is asking individuals and groups to help them raise the funds to get these 500 turkeys. You can find out more HERE
Community Dinners
1. Thanksgiving Dinner in Bed-Stuy - Next Wednesday, 11/23 Epiphany Brooklyn will be hosting the community at (1542 Fulton St. in Bed-Stuy) for their first Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway outreach from 6-8pm. They will be providing hot meals for as many people as we can, either packaged to go or they can stay and eat with us if they'd like. This is being offered completely free to those who need it. They are looking for people to help setup prior to or clean up after the event, serve food, or just be present to pray or assist any visitors with anything. Contact Gabe if you want help
2. Feast and Makeover - Recovery House of Worship is hosting their annual Thanksgiving feast for those in need and also providing services and support to those who need it. If you want to help with manicures, haircuts, resume building, or help with the mean, contact Pedro for details

Christmas

Tree Lighting - The Park Slope Women's Shelter invites the neighborhood yearly to come and join the residents for the tree lighting and refreshments - December 8, 2016 | 6:30 to 8:00 pm1402 8th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215. All are welcome to join us for cookies, hot cocoa, music and spectacular lights. Call (718) 369-7226 for more information and to RSVP

His Toy Store - 2016

His Toy Store is Hope For New York's Christmas outreach to offer new toys to families and connect families with churches and non-profits for year-round support and resources. This year, His Toy Store will be hosted by Trellis in partnership with Trinity Grace Church Park Slope, Park Slope Christian Tabernacle and Liberty City to support the Gowanus Houses, Wyckoff Houses, and Warren Houses.

You can help by Giving and Serving

Giving

You can purchase new $15-25 toys for kids aged 0-12 at one of Lulu Toys three locations, where you’ll receive 10% for your purchase.

Toys can also be dropped off at and shipped to

Encon Pharmacy - 49 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 - Open Mon-Friday 9AM-9PM Saturdays and Sundays 9AM-6PM
Schone Bride, 530 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11215 718-788-3849
Trinity Grace Park Slope offices - 506 5th Ave - open office hours - call to confirm - 917- 909-1393
Park Slope Christian Tabernacle - 98th 5th Ave on Sundays

The toy giveaway takes place Saturday December 10th at 10AM and so the deadline for December 9th

Below is also a list of suggestion for toys for each age and for boys and girls

For boys:

sports equipment - basketballs, footballs
legos
action figures (i.e. teenage mutant ninja turtles, transformers, spiderman, etc
matchbox cars

For younger girls:

Barbies (we typically get the latino/african american Barbies)
Crafts (i.e. Jewelry making kits, art supplies)
Disney

For older girls

Journals, popular books, makeup sets, gift certificates/cards, and any kind of accessory (purse, earrings, tights, gloves, scarves, etc.)

For Babies

Musical toys (something that is educational and plays music)
Pretend toys sets, like plastic tool set, doctors' set
Big trucks
Baby dolls

SERVING

You can also serve the day of the toy store through

Gift wrapping
Welcoming guests and helping them shop
Talking and praying with those waiting
Providing childcare as the parents pick out their toys

You can sign up and find more about all that HERE

Supporting Those in Need over the Holidays