In 1985, World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. started a gift wrap program. “Our goal was and is to give a gift to our community – no strings attached,” explains Dora Tomchak. The church started a gift wrapping program at the local outlet mall. When Stones River Mall opened in 1992, they relocated the project there.
They do not charge for gift wrap, and they do not accept donations. It’s truly a gift. With the help of about 1,500 volunteers, the church members typically wrap over 10,000 packages each year at their gift wrap booth. The volunteers rotate in 2-3 hour shifts during the month of December.
World Outreach Church Blessing Shoppers in Middle Tennessee
The weekend prior to Christmas, they will wrap approximately 100 gifts per hour with their large teams of “elves!” The mall customers really appreciate it since very few stores offer gift wrapping anymore. World Outreach Church hopes to continue to serve their community during the busy holiday season. They believe the simple act of wrapping presents will hopefully relieve some stress from people’s day.
“Nashville Wraps has been our gift wrap partner for several years,” explains Dora. “We purchase all of our boxes, counter rolls, tissue paper, bows & ribbons to create beautifully wrapped gifts for our community. We receive wonderful responses, especially on the quality and design of the paper. Patti Plumer at Nashville Wraps has taken care of our order for many years; and together, we create an inventory system that is economical for World Outreach Church, yet reflects a desire for quality & excellence.” You can see more great photos from this project here.
Victorious Life Church Serving Tampa Community
Victorious Life Church in Wesley Chapel, FL also uses the gift wrap they purchase from Nashville Wraps to serve their community the week prior to Christmas by wrapping gifts for free at their local mall. “Last year we served for 7 days and wrapped over 18,500 gifts,” says Devon Dougherty, Evangelism and Outreach Director. “This year we are planning on wrapping over 20,000 gifts.”
If you click on the photo above, the lady on the far left is wearing a black t-shirt that reads, “Showing God’s love in a practical way.” After all – that’s what this season is all about.
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