The Manger Program<\/h2>\nPresented by St. Gianna Circle Mothers Ministry and GraceWorks Ministries<\/h3>\n
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This year, Saint Matthew is excited to once again participate in The Manger Program<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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 families through The Manger program.<\/p>\n From November 15 – December 4, Saint Matthew will be collecting NEW and UNWRAPPED toys and sporting equipment for children ages 0-18. Participants can choose their own gifts or select gifts from The Manger’s Amazon Wishlist<\/a>. All donations can be dropped off in the bins in the church narthex or the school lobby during the collection dates.<\/p>\n In addition to the gift collection, GraceWorks is collecting monetary donations to sponsor children in The Manger program. To learn more and to make a monetary donation, click this link<\/a> to visit their secure giving platform.<\/p>\n NEW THIS YEAR: Food Boxes<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 14th. 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 14th. 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.<\/a><\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>