This year we have a special opportunity to help children and families in need. On Wednesday, December 18th Flourishing Grace will be hosting a Christmas Market at Backman Elementary School, a “Title I” school in Salt Lake City.

What is the Christmas Market? Each year, Backman Elementary organizes an event to help provide gifts for families and children that are in need, including a high number of refugees and families under the poverty line. Since we have done similar events in the past at Flourishing Grace, it was clear that we could help make a big difference for families at Backman. Because so many families in this school have very few resources, many families have no resources for any kind of holiday gifts. These families are invited by the school administration to attend the market, where parents can choose great, new age-appropriate toys for their kids, while their kids enjoy a snack and some fun holiday activities.

How can I give? We are serving 2-3 times as many families than we have in the past, so we need a lot of toys! From now until December 15th we will be accepting money or brand new toys for boys and girls from age 5 - 6th grade. We are also accepting new clothes items for boys and girls age 5 - 6th grade which will be given away for free. You can bring your donations to the church on Sunday or during the work week. Specifically, here are toys and clothing that have been requested:

Girls type:

• Dolls

• Barbie's/ Barbie stuff (clothing, shoes, accessories)

• Tea sets

• Stuffed animals

• Unicorn things

• Arts and Crafts

• Coloring books, Crayons, markers (we try to make these sets)

• Scooters

• Nail art

• Slime

• headphones

• Music speakers

Boys type:

• Sports things

• Cars

• Legos

• hot wheels

• Arts and Crafts

• Coloring books, Crayons, markers (we try to make these sets)

• Super hero's

• Scooters

• Skate board

• head phones

• Music speakers

Games:

• Family Board Games are great

• Puzzles

• Brain games

Stocking stuffers

• Any small little toys are great

Clothing:

• New clothing please

• Pajama sets

• Scarfs

• Gloves

• Socks

• underwear

• Jogging suits

• comfortable clothing

If you would rather donate cash (tax-deductible) we will purchase toys for you! Simply click the donation button below. 

How can I volunteer? We need many volunteers to pull off this amazing event. We will need a team on Tuesday night to set everything up and another team Wednesday afternoon and evening to run the market and bring the Christmas cheer. Volunteers 10 years and older, please. There will be a place for all kids to engage in crafts during the event. Simply click the volunteer button below.