As the holiday season approaches, San Lorenzo Valley residents begin to make their lists, clip their Safeway coupons and prepare their pantries for the weeks ahead. Lynn Robinson’s team at Valley Churches United (VCU) in Ben Lomond have also been ramping up in preparation for their annual holiday gift shop. This year, however, in keeping with the times, they are converting their indoor holiday wonderland to an outdoor event: the Sidewalk Holiday Gift Shop.
In 2020, the event, typically held indoors, was canceled due to Covid-19, but the donations from locals kept pouring in.
“After the CZU fire, a lot of local residents had to move or downsize, and VCU was the beneficiary of their generosity,” said Robinson, executive director of VCU.
Everything from household goods to holiday decorations and toys poured into the nonprofit’s storerooms over the past year, filling shelves and allowing Robinson’s team an opportunity to create beautifully curated collections of goods.
“We have two years’ worth of stock on our shelves. There are so many wonderful items here for sale, and at such great prices,” Robinson said. “Our staff have assembled beautiful gift baskets, decorated holiday trees, polished vintage items and unloaded brand new Christmas supplies and toys. We’ll have at least 14 6-foot tables just loaded with gifts.”
With six dates to shop, there are plenty of opportunities for locals to get in on the fun. Since the event is being held outdoors, it is weather-dependent; a strong storm means sales will be canceled that day. Robinson says that with the San Lorenzo Valley having the lowest vaccination rates in the county, the determination was made to move the event outside.
“Our volunteers will be wearing masks, and we kindly ask that attendees do the same,” said Robinson.
For those locals looking to offload items in good condition, VCU is still accepting donations for their Sidewalk Holiday Gift Shop.
“Toys should be new, and other items should be in near-perfect condition,” said Robinson.
Of course, a cash donation is always welcome as VCU is continuing to offer assistance to CZU fire survivors as part of its overall mission of service to the Valley. All proceeds from gift shop sales support the nonprofit’s year-round food pantry service.
The Sidewalk Holiday Gift Shop runs from 11am to 4pm on Nov. 6, 21 and 21, and Dec. 4, 12 and 19. Want to learn more? Valley Churches United is located at 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond. Information can be found at www.vcum.org.
