What’s better than building a snowman? Building an edible snowman! Children at the Gift of Giving event on Saturday, Dec. 9, made several gifts for friends and family and learned about the importance of giving to others. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

St. James Episcopal Church held their annual Gift of Giving event at the Kemmerer Senior Center on Saturday, Dec 9.

Children from different church congregations in the community were invited to attend this event as an opportunity to learn many ways to give and to make hand crafted gifts for friends and family this holiday season.

As children arrived, they were directed to the registration table, where they were given a large bag to keep all their creations from the event so they could get them home safely.

The center was bustling with holiday spirit as the place transformed into a crafters’ workshop. There were eleven stations spread through the room, giving the kids a plethora of options for gift-making.

Over 30 volunteers helped at the stations, so there were plenty of helpers for the kids along the way. Each station visit lasted about 15 minutes before children moved to the next location. 

At one station the children got their picture taken with an instant camera and made personalized ornaments for their Christmas tree. The children designed calendars, glued cinnamon sticks around a tea candle to create a scented gift, and painted wooden blocks into Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

There were plenty of treats as well. There was a cookie swap station filled with yummy treats and a peppermint hot cocoa kit-making station.

The kids loved making the edible snowmen with marshmallows. The smell of spices filled the air as kids made homemade taco seasoning, which they poured into mini mason jars for storage. They topped it with a label and a bow, perfect for sharing.

Tis the taco season at the Episcopal Church’s Gift of Giving event on Saturday, Dec. 9, as children made their very own taco seasoning mix in small mason jars. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

The children also made personal Christmas cards and snowmen made from socks. Their gifts bags were heavy as they overflowed with gifts made from the heart by the time the rotations were over.

Kids at the Gift of Giving event made a snowman toy from stuffed socks. The kids added eyes and a carrot nose out of plush material and finished them off with a ribbon scarf and hat made from sock scraps. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

The group wrapped up the gift making as they all gathered together to discuss the purpose of why they came there that day.

As they enjoyed a snack the children watched “Jacob’s Gifts,” a movie about the spirit of Christmas.

Then they read “The Sparkling Box,”
by Jill Hardie. The book has an interactive lesson on doing good deeds, and it explains how gifts can be as simple as just saying hello to a stranger or visiting with a special friend. 

Hardie donated the books at half the cost, making it possible for each child to take home their own copy.

“The kids learn about giving,” said Rev. Janet Seeley of the St. James Episcopal Church. “Both the movie and the book sent a special message to the children.”

“Whenever we give gifts to one of God’s children, it’s like giving a gift to God,” Seeley said. “God gives us each special gifts to share with others.”

The kids and volunteers shared examples and discussed the moral of the stories so the children could learn to spread love and kindness during the holidays and all year round

“Hopefully, next year we will obtain a grant to pay for all the expenses,” Seeley said. “Our wish is to open this event to the whole town.”

Many of the costs are covered by the Episcopal church, as well as generous donations from the volunteers.

It was a wonderful day as the children experienced the true gift of giving and took home with them far more than material gifts, but important life lessons as each one realized they have the power to give from the heart each and every day. Merry Christmas to all, and may you help spread the gift of giving to your neighbors.

(GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

Rev. Janet Seeley of St. James Episcopal Church helps kids check in at the Gift of Giving event. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)

(GAZETTE PHOTO / Michelle Tibbetts)