Christmas House, the Chapel Hill Service League’s signature annual community outreach project, is changing up its model for the 2020 holiday season to accommodate changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local non-profit shared a release this week announcing the change to Christmas House, which has been continually operating since 1950. Instead of the typical one-day shopping spree held by community members to find new toys, games, books, crafts and coats, volunteers with the service league can participate in handing out similar gifts to families in a drive-thru style.

According to the Chapel Hill Service League, placing Wish Trees and collection toy donations creates challenges with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. Families will instead be invited to an appointment-style drive-thru where volunteers will hand out gift cards, pre-packaged books and coats.

Additionally, Christmas House is accepting donations to help cover the costs of storing the thousands of items already collected and purchased for the 2020 holiday season, as well as the replacement of many with gift cards. Those willing to give can do so at the Christmas House PayPal website or by mail, with donations addressed to PO Box 3543, Chapel Hill, NC, 27515.

With this event each year, the Chapel Hill Service League helps more than 900 local children receive gifts and resources. Like usual, Christmas House will be held on the first Saturday in December. More information can be found on the service league’s website.

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