Gift shop lives up to its name
Staff writer
Sisters Pam Livingston and Dawna Blaes didn’t grow up in a family with an abundance of money.
That’s why they started Florence Christmas Store, a tradition now three years strong, to help boost families’ holiday joy.
They accept donations and spend out of their own pockets to buy gifts for all who come to pick up a Christmas gift —until the gifts are gone.
Toys, jewelry, food, gloves, long johns, Bluetooth speakers, clothing for everyone from infants to adults, blankets, throws, handbags, knickknacks, books, shoes, and other items lined tables in Florence’s United Methodist Church waiting for people to come “shop” Saturday.
A blue loveseat with a red bow even waited for someone to take it home.
The pick-up limit was one item per person.
The sisters also gave out seven full Christmas meals Thursday.
“We have lots of kids who come in and say, ‘I want to get something for my mom,’” Blaes said.
Blaes said she and her sister were picky about what items are set out as gifts. If donated gifts are not new, they need to look as if they are. She held up a Coach handbag to illustrate the point.
Livingston and Blaes do a lot of the shopping themselves in advance of the giveaway, picking up extra items to give away.
“I probably had not as many this year,” Livingston said.
The store opened at 11 a.m. Saturday and closed at 3 p.m.
Blaes said 35 to 40 people told the women how nice it was of them to do this and hugged them.
“We were at the church from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and I think the families that received ham or turkey meals were exceptionally grateful,” Blaes said. “It was a lovely day all in all.”
A lot of grandparents are raising their grandchildren, Blaes said, and said if not for an outreach like this, there might be no Christmas presents.