‘Charleston Christmas Store’ spreads a new kind of cheer

For the last seven years, low-income Charleston residents have had access to a special holiday store run by members of First Baptist Church of Charleston.

The concept is simple: “Neighbors” can buy new, donated items at up to 90 percent off of retail prices. According to the church’s minister to children, Emory Hiott, the ministry embodies the spirit of Christmas while promoting dignity.

“Over the years, we noticed that people didn’t want to feel like a charity case, receiving things someone else chose for them,” Hiott said. “Many honestly look for ways to be the provider but don’t always have the finances to do it.”

Hiott began researching Christmas-giving ideas that reflected what she calls a more Christlike, “honoring way of blessing others.” Hiott learned about another church’s successful Christmas store and decided Charleston First could give it a try.

Shoppers peruse Christmas gift items at the "Charleston Christmas Store," a ministry of Charleston First Baptist Church.

Shoppers peruse Christmas gift items at the “Charleston Christmas Store,” a ministry of Charleston First Baptist Church.

“Now we see mostly men coming in who are able to walk away with dignity and pride as the provider for their family,” she said. “They know the gift prices are leveled out, but they are still paying something, which instills a sense of hope that we haven’t found in other programs.”

Church members immediately embraced the idea and shopped from idea lists that included gifts for children of all ages, clothes and simple toiletries.

Now, an elementary school hosts the one-day “Charleston Christmas Store” in a location more accessible to targeted communities. The church sets up the inventory there, and members volunteer to staff it. There is free gift-wrapping, and the church provides a prayer area on site.

The first year the store was open, families the church was already aware of were invited to shop there. In years since, it has relied on local schools and organizations to identify additional neighbors in the community.

“We try not to screen the shoppers, and we have an open-door policy for the store,” said Hiott. “Neighbors get a ‘passport’ for shopping sections, based on the amount of money they have to spend. This helps limit how much they can buy, which ensures there’s enough for other shoppers.”

This year, the church will open a second store location at a neighborhood community center. In the future, Hiott hopes to partner with more organizations and businesses for local support and work with churches in other areas of the state to allow this concept of holiday giving to reach new communities.

“Jesus loved people,” said Hiott. “He was never about handouts — He was about hand-ups.

“I imagine He would look at some of the ways we think of Christmas as not helping to edify others. People in low-income communities have a lot to offer, with gifts and talents that can be encouraged. It’s worthwhile to look at how we can give differently and to be able to encourage that as well,” she said.

— Julia Bell writes for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.