Watered Gardens Ministries annual Christmas Market offers hope and dignity for parents this holiday season

The holiday season brings a spirit of giving that touches everyone, but many wonder how best to help neighbors facing poverty and homelessness.

While the desire to bless others is heartfelt, that generosity is often expressed through free giveaways. Though well-intentioned, handing out items for free can unintentionally erode dignity and send the message that parents are unable to provide for their own children and need strangers to step in.

To protect dignity and affirm each parent’s capacity, Watered Gardens invites the community to support a different approach: giving fathers and mothers the opportunity to earn gifts for their kids. Providing for one’s family is an honor, and this initiative is carefully designed to defend that privilege.

That is why Watered Gardens and Joplin First Church are teaming up for its annual Christmas Market. The market offers a wide variety of donated toys, games, clothing, and stocking stuffers. Instead of a dollar price, each item carries a time stamp—the amount of time parents invest by partnering in the Worth Shop to earn the gifts they select. The exchange rate is always generous.

Parents also have access to a gift-wrapping area where they can beautifully wrap the presents themselves.

The Christmas Market will be open at Joplin First Church, located at 501 West 4th Street, Joplin, MO, on December 11–13:

• Thursday and Friday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

The church is gratefully accepting donations of new Christmas toys of any kind. Those interested in helping can contact Clayton Patrick at 417.623.6030 ext. 117 to learn which items are most needed. The best drop-off times are 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. All donations are needed no later than Tuesday, December 9, at 9:00 a.m.