Alternative Christmas Giving

Alternative Christmas Giving is a way to celebrate the season by giving to those in need rather than giving more "stuff" to folks who already have a lot. We are called to express our faith with generosity, stewardship, and love of neighbor. This is faith in action.

Key aspects include:

  • Focus on meaning over materialism
  • Honoring loved ones
  • Supporting missions and ministries
  • Practical expression of faith
  • Involving the whole family
  • Long-lasting impact
celebrate with gifts that change lives

Here are some charities we believe are worthy of consideration:

Families Forward (formerly Bidwell-Riverside)
Families Forward helps families in four ways:
  • Bidwell Pantry (food, clothing, and basic essentials)
  • Early childhood education for low-income children
  • Emergency shelter
  • Supportive services for families experiencing homelessness
    (with affordable dwellings for vulnerable families while they work to achieve economic self-sufficiency).
Families forward services + shelter
Good Samaritan Food Pantry
Located in Adel, the pantry serves residents in ADM and Van Meter school districts, and anyone with a Redfield, Dexter, or Linden address.
It offers shelf-stable food, personal care items, and summer food packs for kids. The need for this assistance grows each month.
Good Samaritan Food Pantry - serving our neighbors since 1982
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Greater Des Moines Chapter)
This organization organizes bed builds and bedding donations for kids who don't have a safe, comfortable place to sleep.
SHP - Sleep in Heavenly Peace - No kid sleeps on the floor in our town
Habitat for Humanity (Greater Des Moines Chapter)
Habitat for Humanity organizes home builds and helps people into home ownershp and financial wellness through counseling and education, helps people with home repairs, and has a tool lending library.
Habitat for Humanity