Need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping for friends, family, or coworkers? Want to give a gift that will do more than just sit on a shelf or clutter a closet? Why not make a gift in someone’s name to the missions of First United Methodist Church or one of the nonprofits we partner with!
Take a look below at our Alternative Giving guide. You can find some great ideas for thoughtful Christmas gifts that do good in our community and around the globe.
Food Ministries at First Methodist McKinney
- We are still collecting meal kits of canned goods for anyone with food insecurity. Here is the shopping list for the kits. More info on the volunteer opportunities page.
- We need items for Lunch Bunch where we pack lunches for our unsheltered friends. Donate pudding cups (unrefrigerated), tuna or chicken salad kits, fruit cups, individually wrapped desserts, and fresh stacks of Ritz crackers.
- Make a financial gift to our Food Ministries here!
Gift Ideas
Goes great with new kitchen supplies or a gift card to their favorite restaurant!
Methodist Children’s Home
A gift of Joy! There are over 10,000 children, youth, and families served by this ministry. A special Christmas gift provides funding for outreach services across Texas and New Mexico, and for residential care at the MCH Boys Ranch in Waco. Learn more about their ministry and make a donation here.
Gift Ideas
Goes great with a Christmas ornament or a charm to remind someone of joyful childhood memories.
Heifer International
For years, First Methodist has supported the work of Heifer International. During the season of Advent, we ask you to consider a donation to Heifer as a gift to someone. This is a gift that keeps on giving! Not only is it an honor to be “gifted” a sheep or cow or llama, but communities around the world benefit from this gift for generations. Make a donation here!
Gift Ideas
Goes great with a llama plushie or a fair trade scarf. Take a look at our Heifer page for some inspiration!
Cultiv8Community
Cultiv8Community is a nonprofit focused on building healthy habitats and strong communities in North Texas. That includes restoring native ecosystems, hosting almost 1500 elementary school students a year for educational field trips to explore and learn about nature, and working with communities on poverty and affordable housing. Learn more and make a gift here!
Gift Ideas
Goes great with a packet of native plant seeds or a field guide to birds!
Baby Booties Diaper Bank
Forty-six percent of North Texas families with little ones struggle to afford diapers—and that number climbs to 60% for low-income families. They hand out 24,500 diapers and 44,000 wipes to 490 families per distribution event, all across Collin County. Make a donation of diapers (especially sizes 5, 6, and 7) or wipes by dropping them off at the church office, or click here to give online.
Gift Ideas
Goes great with a cute onesie, a picture book, or any other gifts for babies or expecting parents!
Mission Panama
Since 2013, First United Methodist Church McKinney has been working with David and Cindy Ceballos to minister with the Ngnobe-Bugle in central Panama. We have team members working on construction projects, doing medical education and testing, and offering Vacation Bible School to the children. Our big project at the moment is building a new bridge to help children safely walk to school! Click here to support our work
Gift Ideas
Goes great with fair-trade coffee from Panama. Or you can buy a new pan for your Ma, but that may be a bridge too far…