This is an exciting time of year for all of us. The holidays are around the corner, and we are anticipating a lovely time with family and friends. This time of year also marks the beginning of our Giving Trees, a tradition at St. John’s that we are continuing this year.

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Each year, as a preschool and church community, we support the Steppingstones Program (the charitable division of Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care) in their endeavors to create a better, happier holiday season for those in need. The St. John’s Preschool community has excitedly taken on three families and a fourth family for the church members. These are families that are in need this Christmas season.

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Each family is part of the Steppingstones Program and are all coping with the debilitating ailments of a young child. In addition, all of these families are dealing with monetary difficulties, predominantly from hospital bills and having no ability to keep a full-time job while caring for their children. Most of these parents must deal with their small child having numerous complicated surgeries and extensive recovery periods. The Giving Trees help relieve some of their stress during the holiday season. 

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This year our church community will be helping Frdous and her mother. Frdous is the sweetest little 6-year-old girl diagnosed at birth with Trisomy 18 and a cardiac condition. She had cardiac surgery when she was only a few months old and overall has done very well since then. She uses a feeding tube and has developmental delays, but she is an alert and smiley little girl! She loves going to school and is making progress working with her therapists. Frdous loves walking with assistance, vocalizing, music, and being cuddled!

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There is a one-dimensional tree in the narthex on the wall to the right of the men's restroom. The tags on the tree indicate what is needed/wanted, who it is for (name, age, gender). Please take a tag for the item(s) you would like to purchase.

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Please drop off your wrapped gift donation to Alesia Portugal or place it in the box below the tree. Please include the original tag on each gift so we can keep track of what we have received. All gifts are due back to St. John's by Monday, December 15. Keep in mind as you are shopping that there are plenty of ways, big and small, that can make a difference in the lives of families that are struggling.

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***If purchasing clothing and shoes, please include a gift receipt. ***