CHRISTMAS IN THE PARKING LOT

encountering healing, connection, and sacred grace through vulnerability and courage

What: Second Annual Christmas in the Parking Lot

For most of God’s children who are without homes, Christmas just becomes another day of survival. The Edge and Ecumenical Social Ministries (ESM) will again be coordinating a project to provide gifts in the parking lot for those who find themselves in need on Christmas Day. We are inviting groups from around Colorado Springs to collect donations and hand them out Christmas afternoon

If you would like to support the event you may purchase a new cold-weather sleeping bag (to make it easy we have links listed here!) and drop it off or have it shipped to ESM (201 N. Weber Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903).  You may donate money to The Edge (c/o FUMC 420 N. Nevada Ave. 80903) to enable them to buy additional coats.

When:

December 25 –

  • 11:30 set-up time
  • Noon line starts
  • 1:00 Clean-up

Where:

324 N. Nevada Ave. in the parking lot between The Edge and Carl’s Jr., 1/2 Block north of Acacia Park or if you would rather…1/2 block north of the horse in the middle of the street at Platte and Nevada. We are on the west side of the street, across from Palmer High School. Look for the ESM truck!

Items:

If a group is interested in helping on Christmas Day, you may bring items to donate (see the list of suggestions below), a table from which to distribute them, and a trash bag to remove any trash you accumulate. ESM would be happy to take any items you may have left over. If you, or a group you are involved in, will be donating items on Christmas Day, please let us know who you are, and what you will be bringing by any of the contact means below. Thank you!

Needed Items:

  • Sleeping bags
  • Underwear – men’s and women’s, various sizes
  • Hats
  • Scarves

Granola bars

Items that have been promised:

  • Street Food Bags – Provided by ESM
  • Bags to put donations in – The Edge
  • Winter Coats – The Edge
  • For the waiting line:
  • Christmas Carols (or other entertainment like Santa?)
  • Cookies
  • Candies
  • Hot Chocolate/Spiced Cider/coffee

Gloves or Mittens

  • SOCKS, socks and more socks!
  • Beanie Weenies or other small, pop-top cans of food
  • Fresh fruit
  • Feminine Supplies like tampons and pads
  • Hand and/or foot warmers
  • Pet foods (dog and cat) and treats

Contact:

Email us:

Text or call: 719-301-9163

OR

Fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page

FAQ:

Should we open the packages and give items out separately or should we give out the packages?

Please take your items out of the packages before handing them out. This will make it easier for people to get access to their new gifts and minimizes trash downtown.

Should we bring- table, chairs, and our donation?

Please bring a table but chairs are optional. It makes sense to lay items out on the table so they are easy to take. As far as chairs: we hope to be cleaned up and out of the parking lot by 1:30, so there will be somewhere between an hour and a half to 3 hours of standing (or sitting. If you bring chairs!)

Unloading and parking

You may pull up in the alley just north of  Carl’s Junior parking lot. After you unload, or if you can carry your items down, you may park at street parking or in First United Methodist Church parking one block north.