On Dec. 13, Parkside Church Westside gave back to the community by hosting its annual Christmas Store. This event helps parents facing financial hardships experience the joy of giving by ensuring their children receive gifts during the holiday season.

The Christmas Store has been open for several years. Each year, Parkside Church Westside tries to give gifts to as many as 100 to 115 families in need. The aim is to support families, especially those in the Lakewood community and from Lakewood schools, by providing them with a joyful Christmas experience and fostering a sense of community connection.

The event originated with Todd Callaway, a pastor at Cross Point Church, which was later acquired by Parkside Church Westside. Recognizing its positive impact, the church leadership decided to continue the tradition.

“Todd had made such great connections with the community that we thought we couldn’t let this go,” said Jeff Port, a pastor at Parkside Church Westside. “The first year we did it ourselves was 2017.”

Even the pandemic did not halt the outreach. “During COVID, we did it out in the trailer,” Port said. “It was a drive-through; people drove up, we ran and got their stockings, handed them through the window, and said, ‘Merry Christmas.’”

The store’s success relies on months of preparation led by organizer Rebecca Ruprecht. “I help with planning and coordinating donations, volunteers and set-up, and I help keep things running smoothly the days the Christmas store is open to the families we’re serving,” Ruprecht said.

Donors provide the backbone of the event, gathering gifts tailored to specific family needs. Sherrie Tamunday, a member of the church since 2019, has seen the impact from both sides. “I have helped out several years at The Christmas Store — mostly with donations, but I did help staff the store one year,” she said.

Contributions come in various forms, from physical items to monetary gifts. “People participate by bringing in stuff on Sundays, for when we have our collection times, people also send us money for stuff,” Port said. “They’ll also make an online donation or write a check for The Christmas Store.”

Many volunteers come from the church community. During store hours, volunteers walk around greeting people as they arrive, with cookies and conversation. Port said, “We have about six volunteers who come in. They help at the check-in table, with coffee and goodies, and distribute items to shoppers.” The volunteers bring a friendly face to the front of the store, making sure everyone feels seen. Tamunday said, “Volunteers help by purchasing items, stocking shelves and staffing the store during shopping hours.”​

This year, the church saw a higher turnout than expected, driven largely by word-of-mouth. While the high interest occasionally exceeds the church’s capacity, it reflects the deep need within the community. To ensure resources reach those most in need, the church uses a targeted selection process.

“I send the link to those families, so we don’t broadcast it to the whole school,” Port said. “We send it specifically to those people whose contact information we have.”

While the church is currently decorated with garland, poinsettias and pine trees, Port emphasizes that the decorations are secondary to the mission of belonging. The church makes a concerted effort to turn a one-day event into a long-term relationship.

“But we also really try to make a concerted effort to invite them to come back,” Port said.

For Ruprecht, the ultimate goal is to alleviate the holiday pressure that many families face. “Oftentimes, the days surrounding the Christmas season can be especially challenging for some families within the community,” she said. “If The Christmas Store is able to lighten their load and relieve some of these challenges a bit, then I see the ministry as a success.”