LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Every year, the Catholic Action Center opens the doors to its Community Christmas Store, where people can pick out donated toys and gifts.
"Last year, we had over 2,400 volunteers and more than 4,000 shoppers," said director and co-founder Ginny Ramsey. "We cannot bring people together like that in this pandemic, but we can still share the spirit of Christmas."
This means turning the store into a drive-thru event. On December 22nd, the Catholic Action Center will hand out 250 gift bags. Each of the bags has various toys and items for kids of all ages and something for the family. If a family can't use every item in their bag, Ramsey asks them to spread the joy.
"If there is an excess that they can't use, or it doesn't fit, share it with a neighbor. Share it with a friend that you also know is struggling for Christmas," she said.
As additional safety measures, the center isn't accepting donations or volunteers for the event. While fewer families will be helped this year, the center doesn't focus on what they can't do.
"We want everyone to look at it as not that it's less; it's just special," said Ramsey. "This is a year that we're reflecting on the joy and the sharing and on the idea that, yes, we're doing it differently, but the true spirit of Christmas is giving."
Families must sign up in advance for the event. They can do that starting Friday morning by visiting http://www.catholicactioncenter.net/.
