Loving Our Neighbors

Christmas Around Towne is a beautiful example of community collaboration, with 35 area churches and organizations participating to provide a shopping experience, meal, and program, for our neighbors experiencing financial hardship. Sponsored by Lakeside mission partner Powerhouse Ministries, and hosted by Lakeside, the event is a massive operation, with 800 guests and 400 volunteers. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 10.

Lakeside is in charge of stocking the toy store, and we are asking for your help to donate 2,000 toys. New and unwrapped toys can be dropped off in the Lobby during our Sunday gatherings or at our church office, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm. 

Last year I witnessed a grandma bring her grandkids to Christmas Around Towne. When they entered the toy room, the grandma stopped in her tracks and her eyes welled up with tears. Simultaneously, the grandkids jumped up and down, tugging on her arms to go look at the toys. She knelt down, hugged them, made a sign of the cross over her forehead and chest, and then released the kids to shop. There are dozens of moments like this each year, where guests are overwhelmed by the generosity toward them, and it never ceases to move me.” —John Stassi,  Lakesider and Powerhouse board member