Church hosts children’s gift-making workshop
The “Children’s Holiday Gift-Making Workshop” at the United Methodist Church of the Joyful Healer in McKinleyville is returning to an inperson event Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Magical does not even begin to describe the feeling,” said Pastor April Sousa about the experience of watching families work together to make gifts for loved ones
“This is one of the best experiences in the world,” she said. “This activity is a way to combat the commercialism of the holiday season, allowing children to create something special for their friends and family. It’s always great to see their eyes light up when they finish a project. There is always a look of pride.”
Sousa added, “As someone who has volunteered for this event for years, I love talking with the children and families about who each gift is going to and how they celebrate the holidays. We call this a ‘holiday’ gift-making workshop because, even though we have Santa and some of the projects are Christmas related, we realize that children from all backgrounds come to make gifts for their loved ones for any holiday they may be celebrating during this time of the year.”
All families are invited. A $15 punch card includes crafts to make at the workshop, plus materials for more crafts to make at home. No reservations are required to attend.
In-person crafts will include tool boxes, fleece scarves, candle jars, bath salts, jewelry and more. Take-home options are candy cane mice, dog toys, cards and ornaments. A Thrivant Grant helped to fund craft supplies and keep costs low this year, Sousa said.