Agape food pantry in Warrenton says it expects to donate Christmas gifts to more than 1,000 local children in poverty this year — but only if the community can step up with enough support.

Agape’s Share-a-Christmas program allows clients who are struggling with finances to shop through donated gifts to provide their children with a normal Christmas, said Executive Director Michelle Bernth. The pantry strives to provide those in need with the positive experience of being able to pick out the gifts for their own kids, and take those presents home to wrap and put under their tree.

To do that, Agape stocks a small “store” of donated presents for families to choose from. But with the economic challenges of 2020, Bernth said there are more families than ever in need of help.

“Typically, through that program we provide Christmas gifts to about 500-600 local kids. As of right now, we have 700 kids signed up. We are expecting that number to be over 1,000 this year,” Bernth said. “It’s humongous, and daunting in terms of the amount of families who need help this year.

“We have never been in a position to not be able to help all the people who come to us, and we hope that holds true this year,” Bernth continued. “But it’s going to require a significant amount of community support to make that happen.”

To make things a little easier for donors who want to avoid crowded stores this year, Bernth said Agape has added an online shopping option through Amazon. Donors can purchase a gift on Agape’s wishlist, and have it sent straight to the pantry. The wish list is accessible at www.agapemo.org/christmas.

Agape is also accepting gift cards, as well as monetary donations to purchase gifts.

Donations can be mailed or dropped off in person to Agape food pantry at 28855 Legion Trail Drive, Warrenton, MO 63383.

Ring bells, feed community

Agape is also seeking community volunteers to fill shifts as bell ringers at stores this season. Agape is the local partner for Salvation Army, and 85 percent of donations to bell ringers here go directly to Agape food pantry services, Bernth said. It’s one of the major fundraisers that keeps the food pantry running throughout the year.

With many families still suffering job loss or job reduction due to the pandemic, the food pantry’s services are more needed than ever, Bernth said. That’s why bell ringers are getting an early start this year, and need the help of community volunteers to fill shifts.

“It’s a great way for people to volunteer. It’s family friendly, and it’s group friendly. We have some groups that take an entire day somewhere,” Bernth said. “It can be really fun. People can make it as fun as they want. The more fun people have with it when they volunteer, the more money they raise.”

Volunteer shifts are only for two-hour time slots, but added up for five weeks at all the locations for bell ringing, Bernth said there are over 600 shifts to fill.

“We’re hoping that people will respond well this year, and want to come out and help. This is a really easy way for people to give back this holiday season, if they are in a position to give back,” she commented.

To sign up to help with the Agape and Salvation Army bell ringing fundraiser, email Michelle Bernth, michelle.b@agapemo.org.