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ABOUT STEP
STEP is Strategies to Elevate People. Its work and witness is focused on the 783 housing units in the largest public (or government) housing community in Richmond, Gilpin Court. As of 2018, 56% of Gilpin Court residents were reported to be between 0 and 17 years old. That’s about 1,200 children and youth. There are probably more. The average annual household income in Gilpin Court is $9,300. STEP develops strategies to defeat poverty in the lives of our urban neighbors in Richmond by building community that looks like God’s Kingdom – diverse, sacrificial, personal: mobilizing churches in Richmond to effectively serve their neighbors in Gilpin Court, and helping Richmond’s poor find the love and hope that can only come from knowing Jesus.

ABOUT THE STEP CHRISTMAS STORE
STEP will operate its Christmas Store this year on Saturday, December 2, at the Calhoun Center, 436 Calhoun Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Area churches, businesses, service clubs, and individuals collect new unwrapped toys, games, clothing, etc., making sure to mark the original purchase price on each item. These items are donated to STEP and offered for sale in the store at a fraction of the original price. This approach enables the parents and guardians of Gilpin Court an opportunity to give gifts to their own children at Christmas without over-extending themselves.

HOW TO DONATE GIFTS
•  If you are able, take children shopping with you to begin to teach them how much more blessed it is to give than receive.
• Purchase as many gifts as you can.
• Place your gifts (with price tags attached, if possible) on the STEP Christmas Store Table in the SPC hallway by December 1.

SUGGESTED GIFTS
African-American Dolls • Doll Accessories • Skateboards • Electronics • Sports Equipment • Arts & Crafts Kits • Building Blocks • Video Games • Toy Cars, Trucks & Trains • Educational Toys • Bicycles • Stuffed Animals • Gift Cards to Fast Food restaurants (McDonald’s, Burger King, Chick-Fil-A)

WANT TO DO MORE?
Volunteer to do a job at STEP Christmas Store. STEP needs people to greet and register shoppers at front door,  assist shoppers, cashier, and serve food. For sign ups & schedules CLICK HERE.

GOT QUESTIONS?
Email Jack Wheeler or call/text him at 804-690-6650.

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