Free Shopping for Those in Need

Four state churches offer free Christmas shopping for the needy. The New Life Evangelistic Center will have their stores stocked with toys, blankets, clothing, shoes and household items. These articles are available to people who are in need this holiday season. Officials say that due to welfare reform, major cut backs in state and federal programs, along with a stagnant economy has hurt many families. They hope to keep this free store open through the holidays, but in order to do that officials say they need your help. Larry Rice from The New Life Evangelistic Center says, "Go through their closets and bring in those winter coats and also a lot of people their children have grown up. They`ve got toys laying around the house...They need to clean their garage anyway. Gather them all up, bring them here. We`ll clean them up if they need to be cleaned up and we`ll turn them around and put time in the hands of needy children." You can find these stores in Joplin, Webb City and Columbus, Kansas. For more information you can call (417)781-0005. Reported By:Jennifer Grannan