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The Birch Run Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce launched the Christmas for our Community program four years ago. In that time, we have helped approximately 100 families have a more cheerful holiday season. Again this year, we look forward to assisting as many local families as possible to share in the joy of the holidays. Our mission for this program is to promote serving others, kindness, togetherness and most importantly ENHANCING THE LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
The act of giving, be it our time or resources, is an investment in the greater good of the community and can unite us when the world seems at odds. When we embrace the spirit of giving, we find purpose, touch hearts and change lives. We show solidarity when we give to those in need, letting them know that they are not alone in their struggles. In doing so, we create a brighter, more compassionate world for all.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
October 23 – December 19
November 20 (Christmas trees with gift tags will be available in the seven locations)
Throughout the community, there are seven Christmas trees decorated with gift tags displaying the wish lists of local families. Community members are encouraged to visit the local businesses AFTER November 20th, to pick up the tags and shop for the families. The unwrapped gifts AND tags should be returned to one of the seven businesses or dropped off at the Birch Run Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers will wrap the gifts and prepare them to be SCHEDULED for pick up. After being notified of your scheduled pick up date/time, families can collect their gifts at Santa's Workshop located in the Birch Run Premium Outlet.
ELIGIBILITY (APPLICATION PROCESS)
October 23 – November 10
Families who WORK, LIVE OR ATTEND SCHOOL in either Birch Run or Bridgeport are eligible to participate. To be considered, you must complete the application in its entirety. Please be sure that emails and contact information is accurate. All applications are carefully reviewed and vetted by the Chamber of Commerce. Once selected, a representative from the Chamber will contact each family to confirm their acceptance in the program.
HOW TO APPLY (ONLINE APPLICATION) - ALL APPLICATIONS DUE BY NOV. 10, 2023
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Download the Microsoft Word .docx file.
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The file can be edited in either Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Open the doc and complete the form.
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It is imperative that your wish lists be very detailed. Please make sure to indicate sizes, colors, ages, etc. to help the shoppers fulfill your ask.
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Once you've completed the form, save the file.
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Send us the file via email. Attach the file to your email. Our email address is info@birchrunbridgeportchamber.org.
HOW TO APPLY (MANUAL APPLICATION) - ALL APPLICATIONS DUE BY NOV. 10, 2023
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Download the .pdf file.
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Print the file and complete the form.
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It is imperative that your wish lists be very detailed. Please make sure to indicate sizes, colors, ages, etc. to help the shoppers fulfill your ask.
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Return the printed form to our office. Our address is 7971 Main Street - Suite #4, Birch Run 48415
HOW YOU CAN HELP....SHOP – VOLUNTEER – DONATE – BUY LOCAL
November 21 – December 8 (Community members can purchase items from the wish lists)
December 14 & 15 (Volunteers will wrap gifts)
The first and foremost way to support this program is to have a giving heart. Please visit one of the seven businesses and pick up your gift tags. We encourage you to support our local business owners during the holiday season by BUYING LOCAL whenever possible.
If you cannot shop, you can make a monetary donation and the Chamber will do the shopping for you. We are also looking for volunteers to help wrap the gifts. If you want to join the wrapping fun, please complete the volunteer form.
GIFTS
All gifts must be returned unwrapped with tags. If possible, we ask that you return gifts in boxes or bags to help us with the wrapping process.
BOXES, BAGS & BOWS
If you have extra boxes, bags, or bows, please consider donating them to this worthy cause. Wrapping paper is also appreciated. Please contact the Chamber for drop off information.
HOW DO FAMILIES COLLECT THEIR GIFTS
December 18 & 19
Families will be contacted by the Chamber to schedule a time on either December 18 or December 19 to pick up all gifts. Gifts can be collected at Santa’s Workshop located in the Birch Run Premium Outlet Mall.