"Papa Noel" (Our Child's Christmas Wish Program)
Details & Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for all you are doing to provide a wonderful and memorable Christmas for the precious families that are partnered with us at Papa’s Pantry! I cannot tell you what a powerful impact you have already made in the lives of these struggling parents. Without fail, each time I have told a parent that indeed, their children will be sponsored, they have literally cried – with feelings of embarrassment, appreciation, relief, and deep gratitude.

Below highlights the many last-minute questions that arise...

Q: How do we Adopt a Family?

A: Call our office right away.  Please have in mind how many children you are comfortable with taking on. We will try to match children's ages and same sex as much as possible. (For example: If you have a 10 year old son, you will have greater insight to what another 10 year old boy may like.) Once we know your preferences, we will try to have an assignment within a couple of business days. We have several families that are awaiting adoption.

Each partnered parent has been given a "wish list" to fill out on behalf of each of their children. The information collected and provided to you will include favorite colors, sports, hobbies, teams, etc. along with what the child's sizes, wants and needs. We request that they do not ask for anything extravagant.

Q: Can gently used toys, stuffed animals or clothes be given for Christmas?

A: We ask that all Christmas gifts, toys and clothes, are brand new. It's a dignity thing. That's not to say that during other times of the year we are as emphatic. There is a great place for gently used items on a day to day, or season to season basis... but not at Christmas.  In fact, just as an FYI, we do try to network baby and small children’s clothing as the season’s temperatures change as well as an October coat drive.

Q: We would like to provide the family’s Christmas dinner, what do you suggest?

A: We have special Christmas menus from each of the families which includes items and ingredients.  If you would like, this information can faxed or emailed.  At the time you bring the gifts, you can bring their food items – please label the bags with the family code. Another option may be to provide the funds as a donation to the Pantry for us to make the purchases, or providing a grocery store gift certificate for the family to use. 

Q: How would you like to receive the gifts?

A: There are a few steps that we ask you take to insure each child’s designated toys and gifts are truly received by that child. Organization is key.  We ask that:

• Each item is UN-WRAPPED, but labeled with the child’s name that is to receive it – this can be done with a Christmas gift tag taped to the item. (When the parent wraps the gift, this tag can be removed from the item and replaced on the outside of the wrapped gift.)
• Each child’s gifts are pre-sorted and put together in a bag or box, which is in turn labeled with the family code and the child’s name.
• Wrapping paper, tape, tags, ribbons, etc are greatly appreciated to be included with the gift items for the parents to use when wrapping up the special treasures you have provided.

Q: Is there anything else we can do to make this family’s Christmas memorable?

A: One thing that has been a huge hit over the years is to provide a disposable camera for each family to be able to take pictures during this holiday season.  Pictures and memories that capture our children at certain stages of life are priceless!  Papa’s Pantry will be sure these photos are processed as the families turn in the cameras.

Q: How do we get the gifts to Papa’s Pantry, and when?

A: The official drop-off deadline  - -December 19, 2008 - -  at the Woodstock office.  Please call us first so we know to expect you and the incoming gifts.

Q: Where is the Papa’s Pantry Office?

A: 6551 Commerce Parkway - Directions:

From I-575: to Towne Lake Pkwy, exit 8
If going South from Canton, take right off hwy
or if going North from Marietta, take left off exit onto Towne Lake Pkwy.

Towne Lake Pkwy will change names to Eagle Drive as you pass McDonalds on the left. Take Right onto Bells Ferry Rd at light. Go through next 2 lights, and take 1st left after Kellogg Creek Rd.  Take the first left onto Commerce Parkway. 6551 is the first metal building on the left. Suite 200 is second door on the left.

From Kennesaw:
Hwy 92 East. Take Left onto Bells Ferry Rd. Follow instructions above past Kellogg Creek.

From Woodstock & Roswell:
Hwy 92 West. Take Right onto Bells Ferry Rd. Follow instructions above past Kellogg Creek.

From Canton/ Bridgemill:  
Bells Ferry Rd. south. Watch for Towne Lake Parkway intersection at Hobgood Park. Go through. Approx 1/2 mile, Commerce Pkwy on Right. (If you go through Kellogg Creek, you've gone too far.) 6551 is the first metal building on the left. Suite 200 is second door on the left.

Q: What should we do with receipts in case exchanges are needed?

A: Most stores provide “gift receipts” just for this purpose.  If the gift receipts are not available, or you have a mixture of gift & originals, please make photo copies of original receipts for YOUR records and place the original/gift receipts in an envelope, labeled with the family code and the contents, and turn in with the gifts.

Q: Can I get a donation receipt?

A: Yes, of course! Papa’s Pantry is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization.  When the gifts, food, etc are received, we will ask you to fill out a small form that will capture your name, address and contact info. Receipts for non-financial donations are given to you immediately.  Receipts for financial donations will be sent in January, in time to file 2008 taxes.

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Again, please allow us the opportunity to once again say Thank You! for all you are doing to make this Christmas special for these very deserving children. We pray God’s Blessings over your life and family.  Please let us know if we can ever be of assistance to you in the future.