An invitation to the United Methodist churches of the Desert Southwest Conference to participate in the annual Sidewalk Ministries Christmas Project, including helpful instructions about the gift bags.

2. In 2012 over 1,350 children at 12 sites
received Christmas gift bags, gift
cards, stuffed animals or a baby item from
26 churches out of the 140 in our
conference.
With the possibility of additional Sidewalk
sites this year, our goal for 2013 is to surpass
the number of gifts that were donated in
2012.

3. For many of the sites, the day of bag
distribution was cold and rainy as it was
at the following site.
Christmas 2012

6. What do we need for 2013?
We need well-filled Christmas gift bags for
children ages 3 to 12.

7. Last year we were short quite a few bags as
churches donated cards and baby items instead
of filled bags. Thus, unfortunately, we had to
make up a number of bags at the last minute to
meet the need.

8. Traditionally we seem to receive less bags
in the 9 to 12 year old category than we
do any of the other two bag categories.
The 5 to 8 year old category seems to be
the easiest one for everyone to fill.
However, that doesn’t mean everyone
should start filling that age group instead
of the others. We still need plenty of the
other age groups.

9. We do NOT need gift bags for babies.
We need a few individual baby items -
such as sippy cups, bibs, and rattles.
This is not in place of giving well filled
bags for ages 4 to 12. This is above
and beyond giving.

10. A few medium size stuffed animals are
also needed for the toddlers.
These examples have a 12
inch ruler in the picture to
give an idea of the size
needed. This, too, is
above and beyond filled
bags.

11. Guidelines for purchasing and filling bags
have been formed over the years to make
the process easier. Your help in following
them is appreciated.
A list of these guidelines is available in
document form and it is suggested that all
those who plan to fill read them carefully.
Thank you!

12. 1. Purchase paper bags in the appropriate size that
come decorated for Christmas or plain red or
green ones. Decorated bags for birthdays or other
holidays are not appropriate.
Appropriate bag sizes are no smaller than 8 by
10 and no larger than 10 by 13.
The width of bags will vary according to
manufacture and are likely to be anywhere from 3
to 5 inches wide. This is okay.
Note - If we receive bags larger than the
appropriate size we will divide the contents into
other bags. It just wouldn’t be right to give one
child an oversized bag while the others receive the
requested sizes.

13. 2. Please use the following three age
categories when filling and tagging the
bags.
3 – 4 years olds
5 – 8 years olds
9 – 12 years olds
Bags may be for either a girl or a boy but
must be marked as to which gender the
bag is for.
Note: No bags are needed for teens or babies.

14. 3. Fill the bags with NEW, UNBROKEN TOYS or
other new items. Please make sure there are
no missing parts.
Unless accompanied by larger, better quality
items, little trinket type toys are not
appropriate.
Monetary gift cards should NOT be placed in
the bags along with gifts.

15. Important -- Do NOT include items such as
knives, razors or anything that could be used
as or resembles a weapon.
Gifts in the bags should be un-wrapped.
Tissue paper on top of the gifts is okay.
Do not attach items to the outside of the
bag. This makes transporting them difficult.

16.  Some gift items need a companion - please
give both items.
A flash light or watch needs batteries, coloring
books need crayons, a water color book needs a
brush, etc.
Often the children do not have the money to
buy the items they need to be able to use those
gifts.

17. Candy in the bags is okay, as long as the
candy isn’t left over from another holiday
such as Halloween, Easter, etc. Chocolate
and peanut candy should NOT be included
due to possible allergies.
Please, no small candy pieces for the 3 to 4
year olds (or toys with small parts).

18. SUGGESTED GIFT ITEMS FOR 3 TO 12 YEAR OLDS
PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL THE ITEMS ARE AGE APPROPRIATE
crayons & coloring books anything art related
markers simple craft kits
small toys comic books, story books
sports cards – boys sports memorabilia
balls small hand held games
games puzzles
dolls – girls Beanie babies
activity books story books
match box cars – boys Nerf toys
Christmas pens/pencils Christmas socks
jacks, marbles jump ropes
hair items Christian items (cross, jewelry, books)
small stuffed animals jewelry
Anything fun that a child would like!!

19. Obviously the contents can’t be the same in all
the bags, but the bags should all be
full and appropriate.

20. 4. Tie gift cards to the bag that indicate the
age of the child the gift is intended for and
the gender.
Please do not use staples, tape or pins.
Pins and staples could hurt the child. Taped
tags often come off.
Make sure that the gifts in the bag are
appropriate for the age and gender marked
on the tag.

21. Newly arrived bags
waiting to be
checked and sorted.

22. Volunteers help check, sort and count the bags and
ready them for distribution.
We’d love to have help from some other churches
this year. Won’t YOU consider helping?

23. Your understanding and help is appreciated.
These guidelines are not meant to discourage
anyone from filling bags. They are meant to
prevent additional work for the volunteers and
to keep the children from being disappointed.

24. If your church would like to help this year or
provide bags please contact Bev Secrist at 480-
345-9420 or email: bevsecrist@cox.net
You may still participate on your own even if
your church isn’t. Please contact Bev at the
above number or email.
Reminder - a list of the guidelines is available in
document form and it is suggested that all who
plan to fill read them carefully. Contact Bev
(see above) for a copy.

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1
NOVEMBER 2013
Please consider this commitment carefully.
Please provide what you promise.
This information needs to be in no later than
November 1st.
Commitments
before this
date are most
welcome and
encouraged!

26. Churches in the North and South Districts will
have a location in their districts that will
receive their gifts. Location, date, and contact
person to be announced. Contact Bev Secrist
at 480-345-9420 or bevsecrist@cox.net for
more information.
We are in need of more churches from
these two districts to participate in filling
bags.

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29 30 31
2
DECEMBER 2013
Churches in the Central East and Central West
Districts are to deliver their gifts to the United
Methodist Conference Center, 1500 E.
Meadowbrook Ave., Phoenix, 84014 on
December 2.
Please
deliver
between
9:30 AM
and
3:00 PM.

28. Space is limited at the Conference Center in
Phoenix – thus there is no place to store items
ahead of time. Please take this into
consideration when you make a commitment
and delivery arrangements. December 2nd is
the ONLY time bags may be delivered. Your
understanding is appreciated.
North and South District Churches will be advised at a
later time when and where they can deliver their gifts.
Please honor those dates.

29. Last but not
least, volunteers help
with the distribution
of gifts.

30. Thank you to everyone
who helped in 2012 and
those who will help again
this year – from the
volunteers to those who
donated bags, cards or
other items.

31. Thank you from all
the children and the
Sidewalk Sunday
School volunteers.
THE END!