This week, The Place of Forsyth welcomed residents into its fifth-annual Holiday House where parents of families in need are invited to select gifts to give their children on Christmas Day.
"These are parents who could work in our schools and grocery stores," said Joni Smith, president and chief executive office of The Place of Forsyth, to Forsyth County News. "Holiday House eliminates that stress by providing a place for parents to select gifts for their children with dignity."
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The community provides toys and donates new or gently used bikes while The Palace buys needed supplements. By Dec. 12, the items are collected and from Dec. 16-19, selected families can use points to select toys and items from age-specific toy shops. Volunteers are on hand to load the trinkets into parents’ vehicles — or sleighs. Between Dec. 20 and 24, parents will wrap their gifts using paper from the Holiday House, having presents at home in time for Dec. 25.
According to the event website, more than 700 volunteers helped 2,000 children last year.
Staff told 11 Alive that by Monday morning, they had 600 families prequalified to shop in this year's Holiday House. It's hosted at the gymnasium of Cumming's Freedom Tabernacle church.
As the week goes on, volunteers will be on hand to help parents check in, prep and begin shopping. Volunteers will also receive donations, count them and take them to toy shops. They’ll also maintain the organization of the toy room.
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Help is also needed after Christmas. From Jan. 6-17, volunteers will break down the Holiday House decorations, take inventory of remaining items and move them and other supplies to storage.
The Place of Forsyth Holiday House
Dec. 16-10
Freedom Tabernacle Church, 2160 Freedom Parkway, Cumming, 30041
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