Holiday Serving 2022
Dear Perimeter Family,
This guide is filled with ways to help you Worship, Belong, Grow, and Bless this Advent Season. As you consider the opportunities to serve and give, also consider who you might invite to serve and bring with you. Many of our neighbors and friends are searching for hope, purpose, and JOY. As God uses us to meet critical needs in our cities, He shows us His great love and mercy. Generously invite others to witness the great joy of partnering with God!
- Debra Potter
Director of Community Outreach
Click to Browse the Serve Guide Sections
(Would you rather save the book instead? Click below to download the 2022 Serve Guide PDF.)
Giving Tree
Our Giving Tree will be in the Main Atrium from November 27 – December 18. Stop by and select an ornament(s) off the tree to fulfill a wish list request from our nonprofit partners serving children and families in need.
Gift Cards
These allow our nonprofits to meet the specific needs of the children and families they serve. Please drop off gift cards from Walmart, Target, and Kroger at the Giving Tree or at the Community Outreach office.
Warm Coat, Linen, and Toy Drive
Our Warm Coat, Linen, and Toy Drive begins November 27. Donation bins will be at every entrance for collecting new toys for children ages 5+, and gently used linens. Coat racks will be available for donated gently used and new coats for men, women and children.
Monetary Donations
Donations can be made to our Holiday Assistance Fund in any amount. A $50 donation helps a parent give their child a special Christmas. Give online or drop donations on Sundays at the Giving Tree or during the week at the Community Outreach office.
Your generous donations will be used to meet the greatest needs identified by our nonprofits. Often, these needs are not the easiest to share on our Giving Tree or in our Serving Guide. Know that your gift will be used to display the love and hope of our God the Great Provider.
Serving Through Community Outreach
Sharing Christmas Joy!
Saturday, December 3, 9:00 - 11:00 AM
in the Ministry Center
Join us for a special morning of serving opportunities specially prepared for boys and girls ages 12 and younger. This will be a festive time of fellowship with other moms and dads while serving side by side with your children. Space is limited so be sure to register.
This event is full.
Christmas Shoppers*
Now thru Wednesday, December 16
Perimeter Church
If you are enjoying shopping and finding deals, we need help shopping for our nonprofits' wish list items. We will provide you with a shopping list and budget. The more we save, the more we can give. You can turn in your receipts to get reimbursed.
Questions? Contact Gretchen Gartin.
*A family-friendly opportunity
Christmas Gift Deliveries
Mondays, December 5, 12 and 19
10:00 AM-Noon
Perimeter Church
Volunteers are needed to pick up toys, gift cards, food or other items donated for Christmas by our congregation and deliver them to our non-profit partners. You will be given the items and a map to the location where the items are expected.
Questions? Contact Sharon Looney.
City Impact
Join your City Impact Team and check out what they have planned and ideas to bless your city this Christmas season!
There is no easier time during the year to share the gospel of Christ with our neighbors, the reason we celebrate Christmas. Let us be intentional to see individuals, families, greater Atlanta, and the world come into a life-transforming encounter with the kingdom of God.
Visit the City Impact page for more info.
Serve Our Nonprofit Partners In Your City
While the world is full of people in need year-round, no time is more apparent than during the holiday season. Now is the time to focus our hearts and minds outward on others—just as Jesus Himself did. Below are some opportunities that can be done at home to help make someone’s holidays a little bit brighter this year.
* Indicates a family-friendly opportunity
City of Refuge
Christmas Tree Sale*
November 25 – December 4
Multiple Shifts Available
Avalon (400 Avalon Blvd)
Our annual Christmas Tree Sale at Avalon. Multiple shifts available. Ages 16 and up. 100% of the profits go back to City of Refuge’s Youth Programming. For more information, contact Katie Monson.
North Fulton Community Charities
The Santa Shop Toy Distributions
December 12-17
Various Shifts and Times
Address TBA
Every year, NFCC invites our families to Toyland Shop where they are able to choose gifts for their children. Volunteers can help with sorting gifts, setting up and helping parents choose gifts for their children. More information can be found on their website.
Atlanta Mission
Christmas Serving
Various Shifts
Various Locations
Bring the holiday cheer this season by serving during the month of December at Atlanta Mission! Opportunities include holiday social activities, campus decorating events and holiday serve a meal. For more information and to sign up visit atlantamission.org/volunteer.
City of Refugee
Christmas Craft Event*
Thursday, December 15
4:45-7:15 PM
1300 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
Volunteers are needed to help provide high-quality Christmas crafts for our residents and kiddos to participate in. Come with your family, small group, or company to host your table. You will need to provide the craft or a small activity/Christmas-themed game to be played at your table. For more information, contact Katie Monson.
City of Refugee
Winter Break Day Camp
December 19-21, 26-30
Various Shifts
1300 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
We have a day camp for our students when they are out of school. You will be helping with the pre-scheduled activities that the students will be doing. For more information, contact Katie Monson.
Frontline Response
Christmas Tree Sorting*
Monday, December 12
Wednesday, December 14
6-8 PM
2585 Gresham Rd SE
Volunteers are needed to help sort gifts to prepare for our Christmas Toy Giveaway. For more information, contact Kemberly English.
Frontline Response
Christmas Toy Giveaway*
Saturday, December 17
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
2585 Gresham Rd SE
The Christmas Toy Giveaway is a celebration for children and their families in Frontline communities. Gather for a time of fellowship and fun through games, crafts, a gospel presentation, and the gift of toys. For more information, contact Kemberly English.
Friends of Refugees
Help Prepare for the Christmas Store*
Friday, December 9
9 AM – 12 PM
Address TBA
Volunteers will sort and price items for the Holiday Christmas Store the following day. Some lifting may be required. Volunteers must be 10 years and older. For more information, contact Joe Nowland. Sign up to help on their website.
Friends of Refugees
Host an Activity at our Kids Christmas Party*
Saturday, December 10
8:30 AM – 12 PM
Address TBA
We need groups of volunteers to supply and facilitate activities such as coloring, puzzles, play dough and games for children while their parents shop in the Christmas store. You can have your group work in shifts, but we need there to be 4-6 adults at each kids table for the duration of the event. For more information, contact Joe Nowland. Sign up to help on their website.
No Longer Bound
Serve and Share a Holiday Season Meal
Saturday, December 10
2725 Pine Grove Rd
Volunteers are needed to provide a meal for 35 men (plus your group). Our men enjoy the opportunity to fellowship with people from the community. It is especially fun if you bring a game or activity to share. (Examples: Karaoke, trivia, other group or team-based games.) For more information, contact Mike.
No Longer Bound
Volunteer in the Thrift Store
December 1-17
Johns Creek, Dawsonville
No Longer Bound Thrift Stores are an important source of revenue to help men in addiction access one full year of treatment and care. Volunteers are needed to help in the store by organizing incoming goods. For more information, contact Bethany Monroe.
The Place of Forsyth
Holiday House
December
Various Dates and Times
2550 The Place Circle
Our annual holiday event provides gifts for over 2,000 children. Volunteers are needed to assist parents in shopping for gifts for their children in our “store.” To sign up, go to theplaceofforsyth.org/donate-toy-drivessponsorship.html. For more information, contact Kim Mitchum. Sign up on their website.
Duluth Hands of Christ
Serve in the Food Pantry*
December: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
10 AM – 2 PM
3395 Fox St
December is Perimeter’s month to serve at Duluth Hands of Christ! Come assist in the pantry, sorting food and handing out much-needed groceries to families from the community. Sign up for volunteer opportunities on their website.
Rainbow Village
Academy Arts and Crafts Party
December 28, 29
1:30 - 2:30 PM
3427 Duluth Hwy #120
If you like interacting with children, then this opportunity is for you. Volunteers are needed to provide a holiday-themed activity, craft/snack craft, and games for the children in the Academy program. For more information, contact Brittany Lowe.
Rainbow Village
Academy Meal Sponsors
December 28, 29
1:30 - 2:30 PM
3427 Duluth Hwy #120
If you like cooking and serving, then this opportunity is for you. You can either prep meals in advance and use our kitchen to warm up food or use our prepared lunch on site. Can’t make it to serve the meal? Prepackaged brown bag lunches are an option too. For more information, contact Brittany Lowe.
Wellspring Living
Gingerbread House and Hot Chocolate Night
Friday, December 9
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Plan and facilitate a gingerbread house making activity for the women participating in our residential program. Volunteers will be required to donate supplies, snacks, and hot chocolate. For more information, contact Kennedy Martin, (205) 666-1073.
Wellspring Living
Christmas Holiday Meal
Thursday, December 22, 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Friday, December 23, 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Prepare or provide fixings to help survivors of exploitation prepare a Christmas Eve holiday brunch. Ingredients may include, but are not limited to a breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls, a protein and drink option, or even a "chicken and waffles" brunch. For more information, contact Kennedy Martin, (205) 666-1073.
Wellspring Living
Sponsor a Holiday Outing
Time/Date Determined By Volunteer
Help our program participants celebrate the holiday season by experiencing some off-campus fun at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, GA Aquarium, World of Coke, local restaurant, etc. Opportunities may be sponsored by an individual, group, or organization. For more information, contact Kennedy Martin, (205) 666-1073.
Wellspring Living
New Year’s Eve Meal and Party Supplies
Friday, December 31
Time TBA
Help our program participants celebrate the New Year by donating fun party supplies and a dinner meal (ingredients or gift card accepted as well). For more information, contact Kennedy Martin, (205) 666-1073.
Salvation Army of Gwinnett
Red Kettle Bell Ringing*
Monday - Saturday
November 18 - December 24
10 AM - 8 PM (2 hr Shifts)
Volunteers are needed to ring bells at various locations in Gwinnett County. This is ideal for families or groups that could combine their time for the entire day. For more information, contact Analese Ryerson.
Salvation Army of Gwinnett
Angel Tree Sorting and Toy Warehouse*
Set-Up: Saturday, November 19, 10 AM - 1 PM
Sorting: November 28 - December 9, 10 AM - 2 PM (2 hr shifts)
Distribution: Saturday, December 10, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (2 hr shifts)
5500 Peachtree Industrial Pkwy
Volunteers are needed to sort toys from various Angel Trees and help set up the Toy Warehouse for Christmas. For more information contact Analese.
Boy with a Ball
Christmas Fiesta
Saturday, December 10
10 AM – 3 PM
1929 Sarah Ct NW
Volunteer at our annual community party: serve lunch, help with activities, and distribute gifts to children in the community. For more information, contact Maria Bortolucci.
Campus Church | Project Kids Eat
Traveling Christmas Party*
Saturday, December 17
1:30 – 4 PM
1525 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW
Volunteers will meet at Campus Church in Norcross and take a traveling Christmas to the homeless families living in our extended stay hotels by delivering toys, stockings, art kits, food, cleaning supplies and other needed items. For more information, contact Julie Williams.
Next Generation Focus
Christmas Craft Party for Kids*
Saturday, December 17
10 AM – 2 PM
2500 Beaver Ruin Road
If you love crafting and spending time with kids then this opportunity is for you. Join us for a fun day of arts and crafts celebrating the Christmas season. For more information, contact Amy Sol at 678-516-5062.
Fully Furnished Ministries
Furniture Prep*
Tuesday, December 6
9 AM - Noon
6180 Atlantic Blvd., Suite D
Volunteers are needed to help prep furniture for delivery (wiping down, organizing, and vacuuming). All those 10 years and older accompanied by an adult are welcome to come. For more information, contact John Dance.
Fully Furnished Ministries
Furniture Delivery*
Saturday, December 10
7:30 AM - Noon
6180 Atlantic Blvd., Suite D
Volunteer to help deliver furniture to families in the community. All those 10 years and older accompanied by an adult are welcome. For more information, contact John Dance.
Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
The Merry Market*
December 5-13
Various Times
4480 Peachtree Corners Circle
Each year, Neighborhood Co-op ensures families experience the joy and hope of Christmas. The Merry Market provides a place for parents to hand-select toys and gifts for their children. This is a great opportunity for families, neighbors and small groups. For more information, email or call Tammi (404-550-8072 ) or Traci Consolini (404-273-0953).
Victoria’s Friends
Baskets of Love*
Drop-Off Time: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
345 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 1202
Invite your neighbors, small groups, and friends to help make gift baskets for men and women. Fill men’s baskets with shaving kits, cards, gloves, tools (small), gum and candy. Fill women’s baskets with candles, slippers, bright colored and shiny items, journals, jewelry, nail polish, mugs, coffee, candy, books, scarves, socks and books that bring hope and healing. For more information, contact Koreen at 770-271-7540.
Serve At Home
Just as Christ gave Himself to us, so we should give ourselves to one another. This year, remember Christmas is a time when doors are opened a little wider and those around us need to see that the baby in the manger, Christ Incarnate, truly does change lives.
Here are some ways to love your neighbors from your home.
* Indicates a family-friendly opportunity
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
DID YOU KNOW? It’s NOT a Christmas gift. It’s called Operation Christmas Child because Jesus is the Christmas Child.
The amazing journey of a Shoebox Gift results in Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication.
- Each child receives The Greatest Gift, a booklet, that shares the Gospel with the child who receives a Shoebox.
- Each child who receives a box is invited to return for a 12-week Discipleship course called The Greatest Journey.
- Churches have been planted in many places around the world because Shoeboxes were received.
Find out more about Operation Christmas Child and how to pack a box (even virtually!) on their website: samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child
Buford
Upper90 Goal
Care Packages*
UPPER90 serves international student-athletes at Georgia Gwinnett College. We provide them with care package to encourage and support them during this time of the year. A Care Package includes 6-8 items with snacks, candy, Gatorade, and a note of encouragement that we bring to their practices. For more information, contact Jorge Vallejo.
North Gwinnett Cooperative Ministries
Sponsor a Child in Need*
December
Last year we were able to bless 450 children in the community with gifts that they wouldn’t have otherwise received. Would you be willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus by sponsoring a child in need from the North Gwinnett Co-Op for Christmas this year? For more information, please contact Nicky Jeevanayagam for details.
North Gwinnett Cooperative Ministries
Sponsor a Senior in Need*
December
Would you be willing to bless a senior in need by sponsoring a senior meal box? A senior gets a box with at least 10 items in it that would help raise their spirits during the holiday season. For more information, please contact Nicky Jeevanayagam for details.
North Fulton Community Charities
Senior Baskets*
The Barabra Duffy Center
11275 Elkins Rd
Encourage our seniors and disabled adults in our community this holiday by making Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Suggested items are non-perishable food, a grocery store gift card, and a small gift in a decorated basket. For more information, visit nfcchelp.org/senior-baskets.
A Beacon of Hope
Holiday Encouragement Gift Baskets*
2750 Old Alabama Rd, Suite 100
Encourage our team with baskets filled with holiday cheer items. Suggested items are candles, journals, sweet treats, and devotionals. For more information, contact Faith Jewkes.
Fully Furnished Ministries
Welcome Baskets*
6180 Atlantic Blvd., Suite D
Provide baskets filled with cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, paper towels, sponges, and various other cleaning supplies. For more information, contact John Dance.
Homefirst Gwinnett
Holiday Welcome Baskets*
5320 Jimmy Carter Blvd
Create holiday welcome baskets for new residents of The Resting Spot Shelter for women and children. Suggested ideas are towels, laundry supplies and personal hygiene items. For more information, contact Brandee Thomas.
Promise686
Loaves and Fishes: Freezer Meals for Perimeter Foster Families*
Make a meal at your home for a foster family. We will provide you with recipes, packing, and delivery information. For more information, contact Jenny Rockett.
Promise686
Household Supply Baskets*
Put together a household cleaning supply basket for a foster family. Ideas would be paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, candle, hand soap, hand sanitizer, kitchen sponges, etc. and a $10-$25 gift card to Target or Amazon to help supplement additional supplies needed. For more information, contact Hannah Rhinehart.
Love Where You Live
Just as Christ gave Himself to us, so we should give to one another. But to follow Christ’s example, we need to do more than simply write a check and give from a distance, we need to give of ourselves, our hearts. We need to love our neighbors. Christmas is a time when doors are opened a little wider and those around us need to see that the Baby in the manger, Christ Incarnate, truly does change lives.
Here are some ways to love your neighbors from your home, all through the month of December.
Dinner Together
Your time is the most precious gift you can give. Share a meal with others. It does not have to be anything fancy!! Time with others can be as simple as food, conversation, and lots of laughter.
Christmas Caroling Party
Gather your friends and neighbors and go Christmas Caroling in your neighborhood. This is a great way to get to know the people in your community.
Host a Kids’ Night
Help your neighbors get a night out by inviting the neighbor kids over for a few hours. This is a wonderful way to serve and build relationships in your community.
Host a Cookie Exchange
Opening your home in hospitality is a powerful way to show to those around you. A cookie exchange is a wonderful way to bring together people in your neighborhood to share favorite recipes.
Handwritten Notes and Card of Cheer
Write a letter or note (or kids draw a picture) to bring some joy this holiday season. Mail or deliver them to Assisted living/nursing homes, Police Stations, Fire Stations, a neighbor, deployed military, or anyone else who might need God’s comfort, peace, and joy.
Christmas Cookies
Whip up a batch or five of your favorite traditional Christmas cookies to share! Create a special memory with your kids or discipleship group while you bake yummy treats to give away to co-workers, neighbors, fire, and police stations. Who can resist a Christmas cookie?!
Dinner on Us!
The holidays can be stressful and lonely for many. A preplanned dinner can be a huge and unexpected blessing!! Grab all the ingredients needed and create a “Dinner Basket” to deliver to a neighbor or friend.
Serve With Team Christmas
Spread joy, bless others and help us make this holiday special!
Make the season bright for our friends, families, and guests this holiday—serve with Perimeter’s Team Christmas! From fluffing branches, to stocking candles, to welcoming visitors into worship.
Give the Joy of Christmas Away
Below are 20 ways to give joy to our friends, family and neighbors this Christmas season!
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Visit with an elderly or lonely neighbor
Watch a Christmas movie together, play board games, or just catch up.
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Take a drive to look at Christmas Lights
Pray for the people inside the homes you drive by.
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Christmas can be a hard time for some people
Spend time with someone who is hurting or grieving alone.
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Spread Christmas Cheer
Spend time with someone who is hurting or grieving alone.
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Be a joyful influencer
Be an agent of peace and joy on social media. Be an agent of peace and joy on social media.
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Write a letter
Write a letter to a friend or family member letting them know how much you and God love them.
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Sponsor a child or family this Christmas
Shopping for them will bring joy to your entire family. Or you can invite neighbors and friends to help.
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Send Christmas Cards
Good old-fashioned mail can bring joy and a sense of connectedness to others.
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Pray
Pray for churches to overflow with guests this Christmas. Pray that the guests may have ears prepared to hear the gospel. Pray for churches to overflow with guests this Christmas. Pray that the guests may have ears prepared to hear the gospel.
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Reach out to mend a broken relationship
Forgive someone this season.
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Be a Bell Ringer for The Salvation Army!
It’s fun and impactful. Meet neighbors, give smiles, and share your joy!
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Host a Holiday Party
Pray for the people inside the homes you drive by.
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Christmas Caroling
Get your Jingle Bells on and go caroling with friends. Get your Jingle Bells on and go caroling with friends.
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Bring Holiday Treats to Neighbors and Friends
Make them, bake them or buy them. Treats make the season brighter!
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Show your appreciation
Fill a basket with waters, packaged snacks, and a big card on your front porch to thank all the delivery people bringing packages to your home. -
Donate a warm coat or winter pajamas
Many kids in our community don’t have warm winter clothing. Help keep them warm and healthy this season.
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Visit the Community Outreach Giving Tree
Help meet the needs of neighbors in our cities through our nonprofits.
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Invite a friend to Perimeter’s Christmas Eve Service
Thousands of lit candles, Christmas carols, and a powerful message of hope.
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Bring Christmas joy to a child
Donate a new, unwrapped toy for children ages 1-14.
Pray for our Nonprofits throughout this Season of Advent
Each night have one person in your family select a nonprofit or school to pray for.
If you’re going to look at Christmas lights, heading out to shop, or going out to dinner with friends we invite you to Park and Pray along the way.
Stop by one of our nonprofits or a school and pray for them in your car. Pray for their staff, volunteers, and the clients they serve. This can be done at any time and is a great opportunity for families with children of all ages.