In Lebanon, Ohio, a partnership between Summit United Methodist Church and community organizations supports local youth during the Christmas season.

Last year, Pastor Steve Rudisill of Summit UMC contacted Neighborhood Bridges, a nonprofit that connects community resources with vulnerable children and families. A conversation to explore meaningful ways for the church to serve revealed a need for a program specifically for high school youth.

The Christmas Kindness Store, a safe, festive environment where students from Lebanon City Schools can “shop” at no cost, was the answer. The store is in donated space at The Coffee Caravan, a local business that employs adults with special needs. This is the second year Kindness has been open.

Jennifer Ensman, a Kindness Coordinator, said, “The students often arrive with a look of apprehension on their faces because they really don’t know what they’re getting into, but that changes to huge smiles of joy by the time they leave.”

Kindness is open five nights in December for 40 youth nominated by the resource coordinator at Lebanon City Schools to “shop” with a personal shopper. Each youth selects items for themselves, such as Bluetooth speakers, hygiene kits, and school apparel, and shops for Christmas gifts for others.

Each night, a resource coordinator addresses and responds to any health and safety concerns of the young shopper.

Ensman, a Kindness coordinator, reported that a shopper remarked, "This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me."

Support for Kindness is provided by Summit UMC, and various community partners, who donate all items.

 “Partnering with these incredible organizations reminds us that our greatest challenge isn’t a lack of resources, but a lack of connection. When people of faith and goodwill link arms, we discover the power we have to lift up students who need to know they’re seen, valued, and loved,” Rudisill said.

To see pictures from the Christmas Kindness Store on social media, click here.