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Lily, a volunteer at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls’  holiday shopping event on Dec. 7 wears a festive Christmas light necklace as she hands out clipboards to help children and families organize their gift lists and find the perfect presents for loved ones in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

LIVERMORE FALLS — Children ages four to 12 shopped for holiday gifts on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls, selecting presents for their family members from a variety of donated items priced at $1 and under.

The event, held from 9 a.m. to noon, allowed children to independently choose gifts while family members waited in a designated area with cookies and coffee. Volunteers assisted the young shoppers and offered gift-wrapping services to keep the gifts a surprise.

Each child received a free Christmas item, such as a small tree or ornament, and was able to pick out a free book and a bag for their purchases. One little girl was so excited to present a free little Christmas tree to her grandmother.

Children filled out shopping lists on clipboards provided by volunteers like Lily, noting whom they were shopping for and what items they sought.

After shopping, the children had the opportunity to visit Santa Claus and enjoy holiday music. A raffle table featured various toys, adding to the festive atmosphere. While the children shopped, parents and guardians socialized and enjoyed complimentary snacks, including popcorn.

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The event aimed to encourage gratitude, communication, and empathy among children. Organizers highlighted that gift-giving teaches youngsters to share, consider others, cooperate, and take turns. The church sought to provide a unique opportunity for community engagement, while also teaching children about budgeting and spending money.

Most items were affordably priced at 50 cents each, with a maximum of six to eight items per child. The helpers at the event were noted for their festive attire, wearing necklaces that resembled strings of Christmas lights.

For more information about the event or the First Baptist Church, visit their website at livermorefallsfirstbaptistchurch.net or check out their Facebook page. The church is located at 25 Church St., Livermore Falls, and welcomes all members of the community.

The shopping room at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls’ holiday event on Dec. 7 buzzes with activity as volunteers escort children to find gifts, assist with payments, and guide them to the gift-wrapping section, with neatly arranged tables offering a variety of affordable items for holiday giving in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal
The bustling gift shopping room at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls’  holiday event comes alive with holiday spirit as Santa greets children entering the gift-wrapping area and the cheerful sound of organ music fills the space Dec. 7 in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal
Volunteers and children move through the gift shopping room at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls on Dec. 7, selecting holiday treasures from tables filled with affordable items while families enjoy the festive atmosphere in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal
Santa greets families with a warm smile as they arrive at the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls’ holiday shopping event Dec. 7, spreading holiday cheer to children eager to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

 

Rebecca Richard is a reporter for the Franklin Journal. She graduated from the University of Maine after studying literature and writing. She is a small business owner, wife of 33 years and mom of eight...

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