On a Saturday morning early in December, we host Kids Shopping Day at Van Meter UMC. Kids can shop for Christmas presents for their family members at garage sale prices. Parents stay hidden so they don't ruin the surprise, and there are helpers to help the kids shop and wrap presents. It is a lot of fun for everyone, and all the proceeds go towards providing food support for local families in need. Our pastor and the school social worker will disperse the gift cards.
Kids Shopping Day will be Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
The donation box will be in the foyer November 17 through December 2. We are looking for clean, new or gently used items such as toys, games, puzzles for kids, knick-knacks, jewelry, unopened lotions for moms/grandmas, and items for dads/grandpas such as ties, ball hats, gloves, tools, etc. NO CLOTHING PLEASE. We need donations of gift bags (all sizes) and tissue paper. NO wrapping paper or boxes please, as we want to minimize wrapping time.
Monetary donations are always welcome. Donations can be put in the collection plate or made via Venmo. (Use “Van_Meter_UMC” for the Venmo address.) Please designate "Kids Shopping Day".
There will be sign-up sheets in the foyer for volunteers to help with sorting and pricing (prior to the day) and assisting the day of the event.
