Alternative Gift Giving

Zion, Sunbury (Pastor Beth George) has encouraged members to alternative gift giving for many years.  Mission Mall is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of giving to those in need, rather than just giving “stuff” to family and friends at Christmas.  Local charities and Lutheran missions offer a display table sharing the message of their particular ministry.

The first Sunday of December is the culmination of Mission Mall.  Thousands of dollars each year have been given to: Alyssa Dressler Foundation that offers heart screenings for youth 12-19 and offers CPR/AED training and AED donations; Central Susquehanna Sight Services providing vision screenings and eye health services for the blind and visually impaired; Camp Mount Luther; Community Clinic that offers healthcare for the uninsured in Snyder, Union, and Northumberland Counties; ELCA World Hunger; Elijah’s Bowl a local food bank and community soup kitchen; Haven Ministry a homeless shelter that also serves the tri-county area; Lutheran Church of Liberia; and Reading is Fundamental that provides books to school children via the Shikellamy RIF project.

Gift tags are available to donors that can be used to give as a gift or in a Christmas card to a friend or loved one knowing that a gift/donation was given in their name to a charity that will help someone else in need.  With this gift, there is no need to “regift” or have something collect dust or send to a yard sale.  It’s a win WIN for everyone.