GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) With just over two weeks until Christmas, many are feeling the pressure of holiday gift-buying; and for some, Christmas shopping can be financially stressful.
“They do pay $20 a child, so they still feel empowered but we’re relieving a little bit of that Christmas burden. Instead of paying $100 for toys, they’re going to pay $20,” says Hope of Glory Assistant Operations Director, Kat Knell.
Hope of Glory Ministries in Greenville provides a Christmas store for families participating in their co-op program, to shop for gifts without breaking the bank.
“It’s been such an honor and a joy to see our Christmas store go deeper,” says Knell.
Families interested in the program must apply, and once accepted, are lead through a variety of classes to become financially stable.
Those in the program also attend monthly nutrition and financial classes and are encouraged to redistribute saved money toward a savings account and debt payoff.
“People come to you, they’re like I paid off this, I paid off that,” Knell adds.
Hope of Glory also has a thrift store that helps bring money to the program but that revenue doesn’t just help the ministry.
“Not only are you supporting us as a ministry, you’re supporting our families who are also supporting Greenville, Knell says.
This is the fourth year the ministry has opened the doors to the Christmas store but it’s because of donations from the community that the ministry can provide an affordable Christmas for families in need.
