CCSA Seeking Sponsors for Christmas Food Baskets, Homeless Gift Bags

It’s that time of year again and Community Christian Service Agency program coordinators are already busy making preparations for CCSA’s Christmas holiday programs! Each year CCSA (4167 Rappahannock Ave.,  San Diego, CA 92117) offers different ways for its supporters and community friends to help make Christmas a little brighter for those that are truly in need.  Our hope is that you will consider supporting our Christmas Program this year.

1. Christmas Baskets - CCSA is currently seeking sponsors to provide Christmas food baskets for between 200-250 specific low-income families that sign up at CCSA to receive a basket.

These baskets will contain non-perishable food for the family’s Christmas dinner, but also should include a $50.00 gift card to a merchant such as Target or Walmart for any perishable items for their Christmas dinner. Families that have 1-4 members will receive ONE basket and ONE gift card in it. Families that have 5-8 members will receive Two Gift baskets and Two Gift cards. You have the option of sponsoring either size family. See the guidelines at www.ccsasandiego.org/projects/christmas-program.

2. Homeless Gift Bags - CCSA is also seeking sponsors to purchase items for our Gift Bags for 200-250 homeless individuals. Each person will receive a festive Gift Bag decorated by one of our volunteers. CCSA is purchasing the gift bags. Volunteers will put the gift bags together at the Clairemont office. See the guidelines at www.ccsasandiego.org/projects/christmas-program

3. EXTRA Christmas Baskets- Should you prefer to provide a Christmas food basket for those families that do not sign up for the Sponsor program (#1) but stop by before Christmas for extra assistance, we welcome your food basket donation. Please follow the same food guidelines to make up these baskets and deliver your donation the week of December 8th. The gift card to Target or Walmart is not required in these food basket donations. See the guidelines at www.ccsasandiego.org .

GUIDELINES FOR MAKING YOUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS BASKET(S):
Your basket may be as festive as you decide but will incorporate non-perishable foods and $50.00 gift card so that the family can prepare a Christmas dinner.
The suggested non-perishable foods for the Christmas dinner include the following:
1 box of stuffing mix
2 cans of yams
2 fruit cans
1 can of cranberry sauce
1 can of chicken or vegetable broth
1 box of mashed potato mix
1 can of green beans
1 box of cake or cookie mix
1 aluminum Roasting Pan
CCSA asks that all baskets are sealed to prevent any of the contents being lost. The total weight of the basket should be 20-25 pounds maximum! NOTE: IF YOU ARE A SPONSOR FOR A FAMILY, PLEASE REMEMBER TO MARK YOUR GIFT BASKET WITH THE FAMILY NUMBER YOU RECEIVE. We appreciate your support with this

GUIDELINES FOR BRINGING CHRISTMAS GIFT BAG ITEMS:
PLEASE bring to the CCSA Clairemont office beginning December 5, 2014. Volunteers will begin assembling donations on December 8, 2014. Festive Christmas bags will be provided by CCSA.
2- stamped envelopes with Christmas cards inside of them
New knit gloves
New knit caps
Candy Bar
Hygiene products –
a. small shampoo
b. soap

c. toothbrush/paste
d. chap stick
e. new brush or comb

PREPARING YOUR BASKET(S) FOR DISTRIBUTION DAY:
Sponsor you are asked to prepare your basket(s) according to the instructions Sponsors may choose a basket of their preference to create their Christmas Basket. A suggestion is a large plastic storage container with lid, available at Target or Walmart; OR a wicker laundry basket. If using a laundry basket, please plan to wrap the entire basket with cellophane after you are finished packing it to contain all contents securely inside.

Please bring your baskets to ST. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 3502 CLAIREMONT DR., SAN DIEGO 92117 ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH , 2014 BETWEEN 8AM AND 5PM. BASKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED Thursday December 18th from 8am-5pm.. You should enter the parking lot from the north driveway of the Church and drive around the building to the south side, where you will be greeted by volunteers who will direct you to the proper area. For any questions or concerns, please contact CCSA at (858) 274-2271.

PREPARING YOUR CHRISTMAS HOMELESS GIFT BAG(S):
Sponsor you are asked to prepare your Gift bag(s) according to the instructions.Sponsors will drop off items by December 5, 2014 at the CCSA Clairemont location. CCSA volunteers will prepare Gift Bags the week of Dec. 8th to the 12th for distribution the following week.

To sponsor one of our Christmas programs simply fill out the CCSA Christmas Sponsor at www.ccsasandiego.org and return it to CCSA.

For more information, please contact CCSA at (858) 274-2273; or by email at cvillarrealccsa@sbcglobal.net. We hope that you will once again join us in our efforts to brighten
up the Christmas holidays for one or more of our families. We look forward to hearing from you
soon!