For more than 15 years, our FPC community has come together each holiday season to bring joy and comfort to those rebuilding their lives after fleeing domestic violence.

We began by supporting Renewal House, a shelter in Roxbury affiliated with the UU Urban Ministry, where our former minister, Tom Rosiello, served on the board. When Diane Miller later took the lead on this project, we expanded our outreach to include Voices Against Violence, a shelter where Diane had long volunteered.

Our Efforts in 2025

We have been supplied with the wants and wishes from the recipients as usual. The list will be available soon on SignUpGenius. All of the information about names, genders, sizes and wishes will be found, along with instructions, on the SignUpGenius link.

Note the following:

• After you select your gifts, makes sure to go to the bottom of the SignUpGenius list and hit submit.
• When you receive a confirmation notice from SignUpGenius, please print it out and save it. It contains the name and shelter of your gift recipients, which will need to be attached to each gift when you turn it in.
• If you purchase a gift card for a recipient, please place it in an envelope with the recipient’s name and shelter before you turn it in.

Unwrapped gifts must be returned to the FPC Atrium on Friday, December 5th from 3 – 6 PM or Saturday, December 6th from 10 AM – 1 PM. Gift receipts are appreciated. 

Thanks to all who have participated in past years to make this wonderful project a huge success. We hope that each of you will continue your generosity this year as able, as the need is big and the reward even bigger. Each year, we receive wonderful thank you notes from both shelters, expressing how grateful they and their guests are for our efforts. Let’s keep up the great work and spread the love this holiday season!

Any questions, please email gift-drive@fpc-stow-acton.org. And if you are interested in helping out next year, please let us know.