SWEDESBORO – A tradition that was started over 30 years ago is here again.
As many may know, King’s Things was started by five churches in Swedesboro with a mission – the mission to feed and clothe the needy. Throughout the year, the support from the community volunteers and the churches has allowed Kings’ Things to accomplish his mission.
Well, it’s Christmas and again they are gearing up for Dec. 19, the last Saturday before Christ’s birth, and on this day the volunteers fan out to make Christmas a little brighter. Every year our Christmas list gets a little longer and our hair a little grayer, but somehow the task gets done.
They collect food from the schools, churches, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and many other organization and individuals. Wrapped Christmas gifts are collected from the following locations: Bethesda Methodist Church, The First Baptist Church, St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, The First Presbyterian Church, and King’s Things Thrift Store.
Each of these locations has a “Giving Tree” with tags that represent a child on the store’s list. Wrapped gifts are returned with their tags for sorting.
Volunteers then gather at St. Clare of Assisi’s hall to sort and pack the food and gifts for delivery.
This year every family on the list will receive a turkey, food for Christmas dinner, a live poinsettia, fresh fruit, and gifts for the children. The friends at Shady Lane will also receive gifts, flowers, and caroling from the Sara Picciono Coral and a visit from you know who.
Again this year’s Christmas program is directed by Mary Beth Rambler, assisted by Maggie Brace, Joe Denney, Carl Rainer, and all the volunteers at Kings Things. They would like to thank Father Dave Grover, Pastor of St. Clare of Assisi and Nancy Dweyer, Pastoral assistant, for the use of the hall.
This year’s schedule is: Monday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., St. Clare’s Hall – Sorting
Tuesday, Dec. 15 – Buying food in order to balance out donations
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., St. Clare’s Hall – Packing
Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m., St. Clare’s Hall – Gift sorting
Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m., St. Clare’s Hall – Delivery.
If you have any question regarding the program, or wish to volunteer, please call Mary Beth at 856-467-1796.
