The Manger Program

Presented by St. Gianna Circle Mothers Ministry and GraceWorks Ministries

This year, Saint Matthew is excited to once again participate in The Manger Program, hosted by GraceWorks Ministries in Franklin. All parishioners are invited to take part in this annual giving effort, benefiting local families in need this holiday season.

The Manger is a Christmas shopping experience designed to help low-income families in Williamson County provide Christmas gifts for their children. These families will have the opportunity to “shop” for gifts in a store-like environment, which will be set up at the Franklin First United Methodist Church. The store will consist of toys, sporting equipment, and gifts children would love to open on Christmas morning all donated by community members and partners. Last Christmas, GraceWorks served over 1,700 children through The Manger program.

From November 21 – December 2, Saint Matthew will be collecting NEW and UNWRAPPED toys and sporting equipment for children ages 0-17. Participants can choose their own gifts or select gifts from The Manger’s Amazon Wishlist. All donations can be dropped off in the bins in the church narthex or the school lobby during the collection dates.

Other Ways to Participate

Volunteer

Saint Matthew has a volunteer date of Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteer tasks would include setup, organizing, manning gift tables, replenish gifts, greeter, clean up, etc. Snacks and bottle water will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteers must be 14 years old or older to help at the Manger and those 14-17 must have an adult with them. Volunteer sign up here. If all volunteer spots are filled, please contact Kelly Jensen to be on the waitlist.

Food Boxes

Every family deserves to share a holiday meal together. The GraceWorks Holiday Food Boxes program delivers food to those in need. This Advent season, Saint Matthew Catholic Church has partnered with GraceWorks Ministries to sponsor 10 Holiday Food Boxes to be delivered on Saturday, December 13. We are asking our ministries and families to sponsor a box. More than one family/ministry may team together to purchase the needed box, buy the food/hygiene items, and deliver on December 13. We are asking everyone to prepare boxes for a family of 5 or more. Thank you for helping families have a traditional Christmas dinner. Sign up to sponsor a food box here. UPDATE: As of Nov. 14 all food boxes have been filled. We are trying to see if there are other families still needing boxes with Graceworks. Contact Kelly Jensen (email below) if interested or consider donating food to our Saint Vincent de Paul Society.

We would like to thank our St. Gianna Circle Mothers Ministry for championing these efforts at Saint Matthew. If you have any questions about The Manger, please contact Kelly Jensen (kellyannejensen1@gmail.com).

Shopping Suggestions

Need some help deciding what to buy? Take a look at the shopping suggestions below! Please remember that all gifts must be NEW and UNWRAPPED when dropped off.

  • Board games
  • Books
  • Stuffed animals
  • Stocking stuffers

Newborns:

  • Teethers, blankets, lovies, play mats, unbreakable mirrors, bouncy chair, rattles, activity boards, nesting cups, bath-time toys, etc.

Ages 1-3:

  • Educational toys, tea party set, play kitchen set, balls, interactive light-up toys, simple toy cars, little baby dolls, big blocks, stacking rings, big puzzles with 4-5 pieces, simple instruments, play phones, etc.

  • Arts & crafts kits, dolls, toy cars, blocks, flash cards, ride-along toys, outside games, chalk, Play-Doh, construction sets with large pieces (Legos or Lincoln Logs), action figures, Barbies, dress-up clothes, small sports balls, tricycles, etc.

  • Remote control cars, science kits, magnets, magnifying glasses, craft kits, computer/video games, Legos, K’nex, outdoor games, sports equipment, model kits, Nerf games, etc.

HIGH NEED: Traditionally, toys for this age bracket are one of our lowest areas of inventory

  • Arts & crafts, hair chalk, bath bombs, headphones, Nerf games, nail polish, play make-up kits, science kits, backpacks, advanced coloring posters or books, room decorations, sports equipment, outdoor games, computer/video games, skateboards, dart board, door-hanging basketball hoop/game, etc.

HIGH NEED: Traditionally, toys for this age bracket are one of our lowest areas of inventory

  • Room décor (bedding, blankets, pillows, dart board, etc.), make-up, headphones/ear pods, cool sweatshirts/shirts/hoodies, sports gear, skateboards, speakers, razors, duffle bags, jewelry, purses, backpacks, robes, slippers, art supplies, cell phone charging pads, etc.