Thank you to all for an exciting and successful second annual “Green Mountain Christmas” in Beautiful Downtown Bennington. There were lots of warm hearts and fun activities for those who found their way to the Green Mountain Christian Center Church at 440 Main Street. Hot cocoa and cider sipping, gingerbread house decorating, angel ornament creating, fresh cookie eating, live Christmas music playing and video watching provided great fun for all!

 But the main event was the Toy Gift Room, where more than 200 parents in need choose from a great variety of toys. While the parents "shopped" and had their gifts wrapped, the kids were busy in the fellowship hall making gingerbread houses, decorating cookies (hot out of the oven), or making Christmas ornaments!  Many happy and grateful hearts!

This most heartwarming event could not have been possible without the generous support of individual donors and local businesses.  In total, over 200 parents representing 450 children received approximately 900 toys during “A Green Mountain Christmas” event.

 Since the fire at the Green Mountain Christian Center’s Church on Harwood Hill, the congregation has known that there was a greater purpose for them in Downtown Bennington.  Many people find the location much more convenient and can walk to church. We have expanded our worship services to include an Express Service on Sunday Mornings from 8-9am in addition to our regular Worship Service at 9:30.  In addition, our Tuesday Night Bible Studies are well attended. The Downtown location for our Emergency Food Shelf and Clothing Room is more accessible to those in need.

 The success of the Toy Gift Room reflects the overwhelming need in Bennington.  We wish to thank many businesses including Hannaford, Knapp’s Pets & Hobbies, NSK, Plasan, Sugar Shack, Tractor Supply, and Wal-Mart, as well as the many individuals who donated to help make this a merrier Christmas for our area families. We are already beginning to plan for next year’s event.  If you wish to make a donation to next year’s Christmas gifts, please call GMCC at 802-447-7224.