UNITED METHODIST FAMILY SERVICES
UMFS Christmas Giving Tree Program
The UMFS Giving Tree selections and sign up will be available by November 24.
Thank you for making Christmas brighter for a child in United Methodist Family Services foster care programs!
The deadline to return gifts is Sunday, December 8.
When purchasing and returning gifts, please follow these instructions:
SELECT AN ANGEL
View our online sign-up form to select your child. You will be asked to fulfill the entire gift list for the child at a value of approximately $150. You are also free to purchase additional items the child may enjoy in order to reach the $150 value.
PURCHASING GIFTS
View the complete UMFS Giving Tree gift list (PDF) for each child including specific items to purchase. Note, that children are listed in the same order they appear on the sign-up form.
RETURNING GIFTS & DEADLINE
The deadline to return gifts is Sunday, December 8 at noon.
Gifts should be delivered to the church office in Reveille House. Drop-off times are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, or on Sundays, 8:30 am-noon.
GIFT GUIDELINES
- Please do NOT wrap gifts. The Susanna Wesley Circle and Hub Team will sort and wrap the gifts.
- Clearly label each gift with UMFS Giving Tree and the child’s name.
- Purchase items requested by the child on the specific item list which can be found here.
- The value of all gifts purchased should be approximately $150.
- The maximum gift card amount per child is $50.
- If the exact item your child requested is not available, try to purchase something similar on another site or purchase a gift card instead. For assistance in purchasing another gift, email Lauren McMullen at UMFS.
- Please include gift receipts (labeled for each gift with the child’s name) and place in an envelope. Please place any gift cards in this envelope as well to ensure their safety.
- Return gifts by Sunday, December 8.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Rachel Sanders.
Shop Glorious Gifts and Support Outreach Ministries
Glorious Gifts is an alternative way of shopping for Christmas gifts while supporting the outreach ministries of Reveille. Each of our outreach ministries has created a shopping list of needed items that you can “buy.” Instead of receiving the item, you will receive a card that you can give as a gift. Shop for Glorious Gifts online now. You can also shop in person in the welcome center on December 8 and 15.
About UMFS
UMFS (United Methodist Family Services) is a nonprofit agency serving high-risk children and families. UMFS works with children in foster care and children struggling with mental health and behavioral challenges through foster and adoption programs, specialized education schools, and residential mental health treatment programs. Reveille serves as a partner church by donating funds and personal items, providing support for staff and foster family appreciation events and youth activities, including prom, game nights, and field day. Reveille also spearheads the annual Angel Tree gift program for youth in residential and foster programs and promotes volunteer opportunities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
UMFS has these ongoing volunteer opportunities. To learn more, please contact UMFS Volunteer Manager Kate Ockerman, kockerman@umfs.org.
Tutors
UMFS is seeking volunteer tutors to meet weekly with an assigned student to help with very basic math skills (fundamental principles for our students to build from) and science support (think vocabulary words and study skills). Tutoring is on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 12:15-1:00 pm. You will receive work and study guides from our assessment and remediation coordinator, Elizabeth Forstall, before each tutoring session. Background checks are required.
Hospital Companion Volunteer
This volunteer role came as a response to our current healthcare system. Many times UMFS children are admitted to the hospital because of an urgent psychiatric need and once evaluated, they stay in the ER for hours (sometimes days) while they wait for a room to open up. UMFS is looking for caring volunteers who can substitute for the parents and social workers who stay with the kids. You would serve as a friendly face, make a craft with them, help them order their dinner, watch a movie, play a board game, etc. Volunteers will be trained and background checked for this role. Please watch this brief video from our Richmond Director, Alexa, to learn more!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
For more information about Reveille’s UMFS ministry, contact Kim Cronheim.