Holiday Help
Whether you’d like to serve or need support, we’ll help you take the next step.
This Christmas
Love Like Jesus
The Gospel calls us to love our neighbors, care for those in need, and generously share what God has given us. During the holiday season, we have a special opportunity to put that love into action by coming alongside our neighbors, friends, and families who may be facing a difficult season.
One of our goals at The River Church is to reflect the love and care of Jesus Christ. Here are the ways we love and care for our communities this holiday season.
Give help
I’d like to help
Donate a turkey, serve in the food pantry, cook for Thanksgiving at the jail, collect toys, or support a family.
Get help
I need help
Food, toys for your children, clothing and household essentials, baby items, and support through grief.
Give help
Ways you can help
Every one of these needs people. Pick one and jump in.
Donate
Donate a turkey
During the holidays we try to bless families above and beyond standard food packages by providing turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’d like to donate a turkey, bring it to one of these locations:
Holly: The River Holly Community Center, Wednesday, November 18, 6p–8p
Waterford: The River Waterford, Wednesday–Friday, 9a–4p, through November 20
Other times: Email Katrina at [email protected]
Serve
Serve in the food pantry
Serve families by working in the food pantry: organizing and stocking shelves, preparing packages for families to take home, or distributing packages on distribution days.
Questions? Email Katrina at [email protected].
Cook, bake or serve
Thanksgiving at the Jail
For the last several years we’ve had the privilege of spending Thanksgiving morning with those within the Genesee County Jail. As well as share the Gospel, we’re able to bless both the inmates and the staff with Thanksgiving dinner, and offer homemade pies to every Sheriff Deputy on duty.
To feed everyone we need volunteers to cook turkeys and bake pies! If cooking and baking aren’t on your list of spiritual gifts, you can apply to join us Thanksgiving morning as we enter the facility to pray and share the Gospel.
When: Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26
Donate
Baby Pantry donations
They say “it takes a village to raise a child,” and part of that village is supporting moms and dads as they care for their little ones! The Baby Pantry provides clothing, diapers, wipes, toys and supplies for families in need. We’re currently accepting donations of clothing, diapers and wipes. Bring them to the Baby Pantry during its hours.
When: Tuesdays, 6p–8p
Where: The River Walled Lake
Volunteer
Toys for Tots
The River Church is the Toys for Tots coordinating partner for North Oakland County. Many hands are needed: picking up toys, organizing, bagging and distributing them. There’s a way for you to help!
Interested? Email Noble at [email protected].
Give
Support a child or family
Families and Growth Communities often ask, “How can we go above and beyond what we’re already doing?” Some needs go beyond what our ministries and partners can cover, from Christmas gifts for teenagers to specifically sized clothing and other essentials.
To support a child or family, email Grant at [email protected] and together you’ll choose how you can best help this Christmas.
Get help
How to get help
If you or someone you know needs help this season, we’d love to come alongside you.
Food
Food assistance
The cost of groceries has increased significantly, and for many, putting dinner on the table has become an overwhelming weight. We’ve partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank to provide food packages to those in need.
When: The first and third Saturday in November and December, 9a–10a
Holly: The River Holly, 8393 E. Holly Rd., Holly, MI 48442
Waterford: The River Waterford, 3411 Airport Rd., Waterford, MI 48329
Toys
Toys for Tots
The River Church is the Toys for Tots coordinating partner for North Oakland County. We’re thankful to come alongside families at Christmas by providing toys for children and sharing the hope we have in Jesus Christ. To request toys, fill out the application.
Clothing
Clothing, outerwear and household essentials
As seasons change, children grow, and everyday items need replacing. We’ve partnered with Oakland HOPE to supply families with these essentials. If you or someone you know is in need, email Katrina and we’ll work with you to get what you need.
Partner: Oakland HOPE, 20 E. Walton Blvd., Pontiac, MI 48340
Contact: [email protected]
Baby & toddler
Infant and toddler necessities
The Baby Pantry provides clothing, diapers, wipes, toys and supplies for families in need. Whether you’re preparing for a new arrival or caring for a little one, we’re here to help.
When: Tuesdays, 6p–8p
Where: The River Walled Lake
Questions: [email protected]
Grief support
Surviving the Holidays
Grief hits harder around the holidays. Traditions have changed, social events can become draining, and sights, songs and even smells can trigger emotions. At Surviving the Holidays you’ll meet people who will listen, share helpful insights and give you practical ideas for navigating the season.
When: Tuesday, November 24, 6p
Where: The River Waterford
Grief support
We Remember Yours
A Christmas gathering that celebrates the season while honoring the loved ones we’ve lost. We’ll remember their smiles through a photo presentation, and you’ll receive an ornament in honor of their legacy. We’ll pray together, focus on the comfort we have in Christ, and lean on one another as we mourn this season.
When: Sunday, December 13, 6p
Where: The River Grand Blanc
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what you need or how you’d like to help, and someone from our team will get back to you.