SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- For the ninth year in a row the Christmas store at Monroe circle community church is hosting a unique opportunity for local neighbors. The goal is to provide local families with the opportunity to affordably purchase Christmas gifts for their children who find themselves in a challenging season.

On Dec. 13th from 3-6pm and Saturday Dec.14th from 9am-4pm, preregistered will receive a designated time to shop. Those who are not pre-registered are invited to wait in a stand-by line to shop on a first-come, first-served basis that will open at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.

Shoppers can enjoy a warm snack, community time and Christmas music while they wait. Children are encouraged to wait in a supervised area while their adult's shop, so surprises aren’t spoiled! Shoppers will have a shopping assistant and at the end of their shopping session, they can pay for their gifts and have the option to have up to two items gift-wrapped.

The Granger Rotary, Above All Chiropractic, South Bend Re-Entry Center and several other groups from Granger Community Church provided funds and gift items to support the Christmas Store.

Those interested in volunteering to help make this year’s Christmas Store a success can assist by donating a new gift of a toy, still in its packaging, with the price tag on it, through Sunday, December 8.

Visit to learn more about the Christmas store and to sign up as a volunteer!

The Monroe Circle Community Center exists to provide a safe and welcoming environment that impacts neighborhoods in Downtown South Bend and the greater Michiana Region.