Help Make Christmas Brighter
Compassion Tree is a Christmas outreach through Grace Cares that brings hope and joy to children and families in our community. Through the generosity of our church family, children receive gifts from their Christmas wish lists, while families are invited to experience the love of Christ through worship and a special Christmas celebration on December 20.
More than gifts, Compassion Tree is about building relationships, sharing God’s love, and helping families feel connected to our Grace community. While the celebration is reserved for participating families, everyone at Grace can make a difference by sponsoring a child, donating food, or volunteering to serve. Together, we can make Christmas brighter and share a hope that lasts far beyond the season.
Last year, Grace helped bring Christmas gifts to 85 children
This year, our goal is to reach 100 children right here in our community!
Sponsor a child, donate food and refreshments, or volunteer at our Christmas Party.
You can get involved on your own or with family, friends or your small group.
Sponsor A Child
Make Christmas unforgettable for a child in our community! By sponsoring a child, you can bring joy, share the love of Jesus, and make a lasting difference through gifts chosen just for them.
Donate Refreshments
Help make our Compassion Tree Christmas celebration even sweeter! By donating snacks and beverages, you can help create a warm, welcoming experience where families feel celebrated, cared for, and surrounded by the love of Christ.
Volunteer At The Christmas Party
Whether serving on your own, with friends, your small group, or your family, you can help create unforgettable moments by welcoming guests, serving lunch, or bringing joy through games, crafts, and activities, all while sharing the love of Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I sign up to sponsor a child?
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive your sponsored child’s Christmas wish list, including gift ideas and clothing sizes to help guide your shopping.
Sponsors are asked to purchase approximately four gifts and a children’s devotional, with a combined value of about $100. Please select the age-appropriate devotional using the links below:
When and where should I drop off the gifts for the child I'm sponsoring?
Gifts can be dropped off at Grace Fellowship Church on the following dates:
- Monday, December 7 – Thursday, December 10: Between 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM daily, at the main entrance vestibule.
- Sunday, December 13: During church services, at the designated drop-off area in the main lobby.
How should I label and prepare my gifts for drop-off?
Please place all gifts unwrapped in a black bag, clearly labeled on the outside with your sponsored child’s name and assigned ID number.
We kindly ask that you leave gift tags off individual presents so parents and caregivers can add their own special touches before sharing the gifts with their children on Christmas Day.
What types of food and refreshments are needed for the Christmas Party?
We’re looking for donations of bottled water, juice boxes and other refreshments to accompany the hot lunch we’ll be serving at our Christmas Party.
Please visit our signup sheet to see the current list of needs and select an item you’d like to contribute. Every donation helps make the celebration extra special!
When and where should I drop off my food or refreshment donations?
Non-refrigerated donations may be dropped off at Grace Fellowship Church on the following dates:
- Sunday, December 13: During church services, at the designated donation cart in the main lobby.
- Monday, December 14 – Thursday, December 17: Between 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM, at the designated donation cart in the main entrance vestibule.
Refrigerated items, including fruit and vegetable trays, should arrive chilled on the day of the Christmas Party, Sunday, December 20. Additional drop-off instructions will be provided.
Is a background check required to volunteer at the Christmas Party?
Yes! Because this is a children’s event, all volunteers are required to complete a background check before serving.
Once you’ve submitted your volunteer registration, our team will email you instructions for completing the background check authorization form.
Please ensure your background check is completed no later than Sunday, December 13, 2026. Volunteers who have not completed this requirement by the deadline will be unable to serve at this year’s celebration.
What should I do if I'm unable to fulfill my sponsorship or volunteer commitment?
We understand that plans can change! If you’re no longer able to fulfill your commitment, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting Care@gfc.org.
The more notice we have, the better we can make alternative arrangements and ensure every child and family is cared for.
Who should I contact if I have questions about Compassion Tree?
We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at Care@gfc.org or stop by the Compassion Tree table in the Hub on Sundays to speak with one of our team members in person.
We’re happy to answer questions and help you find a way to get involved!
Questions about Compassion Tree? Get ahold of us!
If there’s anything you want to know that’s not covered here, let us know! We’re here to answer your questions and make you feel at home at Grace.
