Shop for Free!

Shop for Free

What is it and why do we do it? The idea of Shop for Free was the brain child of Kristi Simpson. She noticed that the needs of some children were greater than the resources that their families could provide. Because of Kristi’s huge heart and her diligent efforts we began providing this opportunity for all of our children who attend FBCOP on Wednesday’s. The goal of shop for free is to make each child feel special by allowing them to pick out 2-3 gifts for family members. Through the generosity of church members, donations are collected throughout the year. We store these donations and then on our Shop for Free evening we allow children to shop. Church members volunteer to help wrap and label these gifts. It is our desire that each child goes home feeling God’s love and that they are so full of His love that they share it as they give to others. This year Melissa Poole and Laura Akers will be heading up this event.

How can YOU help?

As you can imagine, helping 75+ children shop and wait for their gifts to be wrapped is like herding cats! It is an absolute blast but it is a challenge. So "yes" we could use volunteers. There are 4 ways you can help with this event.

1st you can volunteer.  We need "shoppers" people who help the kids shop in a timely manor, "wrappers" people who wrap the gifts and "room helpers" people who will volunteer to help in a classroom with the Christmas party and activities.

2nd you can donate. We need new or slightly used items for all ages. Toys for boys and girls, gifts for Moms and Dads, etc. 

3rd you can give gift bags of all sizes and white tissue paper.

4th you can provide cookies or individualy wrapped snacks and juice boxes or drinks.

If you would like to volunteer please contact Connie Helmer at chelmer@opfirst.org

Shop for Free & Christmas Party Details & Schedule

6:00- 6:10- In assigned rooms to welcome Kidz and greet parents.

6:10- 6:30- K & 1^st go shopping, 2^nd & 3^rd in their classroom for Christmas party and activities, 4^th – 6^th 3rd in their classroom for Christmas party and activities

6:35- 6:55- K & 1st in their classroom for Christmas party and activities, 2nd & 3rd go shopping, 4th – 6th 3rd in their classroom for Christmas party and activities

7:00- 7:30- K & 1st in their classroom for Christmas party and activities, 2nd & 3rd in their classroom for Christmas party and activities, 4th – 6^th- go shopping

Room Assignments

Kindergarten & 1st- E#25 KidzFloor (2nd floor E building)

2^nd – 3^rd – E#24 KidzFloor (2^nd floor E building)

4^th – 6^th – Guys in KidZone, Girls in H2H room.

Shopping- 3^rd floor E building

This year

 I am both excited and saddened because this year I will not be here for this wonderful event. I am excited because I have the opportunity to go to Haiti with my oldest son (Joshua) and to serve the children in the Orphanage there. I am saddened because the Shop for Free event is one of my favorite events each year. To see the excitement on each child’s face as they pick out that “special” gift for their loved one, to watch as their gift is carefully packaged and then to see the gleam in their eye as they proudly carry it back to their class is absolutely heartwarming! Please pray for my son and I as we get to share God’s love with the children in Haiti. I will be praying for of you!

Thank you for your prayers for the children, the leaders and for my family!

Sincerely,

Skipper Rodgers- Associate Pastor of Children and Families.