ELKO —For the past two years, under the tree-shaped shelving on the partition wall and becoming part of the display at the Elko Regional Interfaith Christmas Crèche Exhibit has been seen a multitude of colorful gift-wrapped packages that has grown larger each day of the exhibit.
These gifts are donations to help the homeless through the cold winter months.
To ensure the gifts are distributed properly, the Crèche Exhibit works with Joshua Tree Shelter. Joshua Tree Shelter is actively engaged in providing a long-term solution to address the needs of the homeless in Elko, but also recognizes there are immediate needs until the Shelter is built.
After distributing some of the gifts donated at last year’s exhibit, Jennifer Kidwell, founder of Joshua Tree Shelter, sent a message letting the Crèche Committee know how much the items were appreciated by those receiving them.
“I believe I won’t have anything left by the time I reach a majority of them. I wish you all could see their appreciation, saying thank you repeatedly, the smiles…very heart warming!!”
This year, the Crèche Exhibit will again be collecting gifts of new (or almost new, clean, and useable) items for Joshua Tree Shelter to distribute to the homeless.
Suggested item include: socks, heavy grey socks and white over-the-calf tube socks; men and women’s heavy outdoor wear; hats with flaps, gloves, scarves; boots for both men and women; long underwear; sweatshirts; tarps; solar lanterns/lights; and sleeping bags (cold rated).
The 10th Annual Interfaith Crèche Exhibit opens Thursday, December 4 and runs through Sunday, December 7, at 3001 North 5th Street in Elko, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Donated gifts can be brought in before the exhibit on Wednesday, December 3 or anytime during the exhibit.
There is no charge to attend exhibit, or other activities associated with the exhibit. For more information and musical performance schedule visit www.elkocreche.org or www.facebook.com/elkocreche.
More information about Joshua Tree Shelter and its mission is available on their website www.joshuatreeshelter.org.
