As he lay swaddled in the manger, Jesus received three gifts from the wise men. To mark the surprise, delight, and joy of that morning two millennia ago, it has been the practice of Christians to exchange gifts with one another on Christmas morning, a tradition that connects us to our past and to generations and communities who have gone ahead of us.
Thank you so much for contributing to the first annual Magi Market to benefit the families of the Pleasant Valley Connection. With the 296 gifts we collected, not only were we able to serve 20 families and 41 children in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood, we were also able to provide Christmas joy to Genesis Homes families and foster families through Thornwell. We were overwhelmed by your support and we look forward to all the joy we’ll continue to bring throughout the years.
The Concept
The Magi Market is a new initiative of Westminster. This project involves setting up a one-day toy store at Pleasant Valley Connection where we will invite 20 families to come to our store to shop for their kids. Parents pay $5 per child for admittance to the store, where they select a small, medium, and large toy plus a book and stocking for each child. This approach to Christmas Giving empowers parents by allowing them the dignity and joy of selecting gifts which are both appropriate for their family as well as desired by their child.
Why Magi?
The three magi presented gifts to Jesus once they arrived in Bethlehem, and the families shopping at the Market will be taking home three gifts per child.
What makes the Magi Market unique?
The Magi Market is a store. Families browse unwrapped, new toys that you have donated to select what their children will love best. Each child in each family will be able to have three gifts: one small, one medium, and one large, as well as a book and stuffed stocking. Parents will then be able to wrap the gifts and take them home.
When is the Magi Market open?
We will host the Magi Market at Pleasant Valley Connection on Saturday, December 9.
There are quite a few ways to support the Magi Market. We need help stocking the store, creating the magic, sorting items before shopping day, running the store Saturday, December 9 (wrappers, shoppers, greeters, etc.), and cleaning up afterwards.
Stock the Market
We need A LOT of toys to make the store a success (approximately 180)! We have created an Amazon Wish List and a Sign Up Genius with a variety of toys created from wish lists obtained from the families and popular toys this season. There are many options from bikes and electronics to games and arts and crafts. The options to "shop" are linked below.
Keep in mind that while thee wish lists we collected serve as suggestions for the toys we will have in the store, the parents will make the ultimate decision on what their child will receive. Therefore, any gift you choose will bring joy Christmas morning to a child who may otherwise not get to experience presents under the tree.
If an exact toy we've suggested isn't available, that's okay! If we have suggested a name brand (like American Girl doll), feel free to look around for something similar (like Target's Our Generation).
Option 1: Amazon Wish List
When you purchase a gift from the wish list, the toy will be sent directly to Westminster. There are large, medium, and small gifts on the list so you can choose what level of financial commitment you are able to make. Feel free to buy multiple gifts as we want to make this year an overwhelming success! Gifts are due no later than December 4. With the anticipated shipping delays, we encourage you to shop early!
Option 2: Sign Up Genius (and in-person shopping)
Already heading to the store to buy gifts? Or just prefer to find your own? No problem. Use this link to sign up for a gift (or gifts) you will purchase (names are anonymous) and bring UNWRAPPED during November Nights or to the church office. Keep in mind that these gifts are only suggestions. If you cannot find the specific request, something similar will be perfect! Gifts are due no later than December 4, but we encourage you to shop early!
Volunteer
Many, many hands are needed to make the Magi Market a success. We need lots of help sorting, setting up, wrapping gifts, etc. Visit this link to see all volunteer opportunities for the store.