Heritage Christmas Outreach 2026

LOVE MOVES TOWARD PEOPLE.

Christmas reminds us of something incredible: God didn't remain distant. He came near to us through Jesus.

And because we've experienced that love, we have the opportunity to make it visible in the lives of people around us—through generosity, meaningful relationships, encouragement, and service.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." — John 1:14

Ways to Participate Give To Christmas Outreach

GIVE ✦ CONNECT ✦ ENCOURAGE ✦ SERVE

There's a place for you

Four Ways to Make Love Visible

You don't have to do everything to make a difference. Sometimes love begins with one simple step. Explore the opportunities below and find a way to make this Christmas meaningful for someone else.

Give

Giving Trees

November 8–22

A meaningful Christmas gift begins with something more than a present—it begins with the opportunity to choose.

Through Giving Trees, you can help fill Christmas Shoppe with new gifts so parents and caregivers can personally select something special for their children.

Simply take a tag from a Giving Tree at either Heritage campus, purchase the requested new gift, and return it according to the instructions on your tag.

Gifts are generally $20–$50 in retail value. $20 gift cards are also being collected.

Explore the Virtual Giving Tree Give financially instead

Serve

Christmas Shoppe

December 10–12

Every parent deserves the joy of choosing a meaningful gift for their child.

Christmas Shoppe creates a welcoming shopping experience where registered parents and caregivers can select and purchase donated Christmas gifts at greatly reduced prices.

Volunteers help make that experience possible. Whether you're welcoming families, helping with preparations, or assisting during the Shoppe, your time helps create an atmosphere of dignity, generosity, and connection.

Shopping locations: Heritage Rock Island Campus and YouthHope Center in Davenport. Preparation: December 7–8.

Encourage

Across the Miles

November 8–December 6

Being far from home doesn't mean being far from the hearts of your church family. This Christmas, we want our missionaries and church-planting partners to know they are remembered, prayed for, and supported.

Write a personal note or prayer for the McFredericks, Ballews, Wyatts, The Well in Peru, Illinois, or Story Church in Colorado Springs. Return your note to the designated box in your campus lobby. You can also give financially to bless our partners this Christmas.

Optional financial gifts are shared equally among the five ministry partners.

Write an Encouragement Note

Connect

Beyond the Tree

November 8–December 6

What if one of the most meaningful gifts you give this Christmas isn't something you buy, but a relationship you begin or strengthen?

Beyond the Tree is an invitation to reach beyond your familiar circle and intentionally connect with a neighbor, coworker, friend, or someone you'd like to know better.

Pick up a kit with an ornament, card, and simple instructions. Make it personal, share it with someone, and find a way to connect again.

No additional purchase is required. The relationship is what matters.

How Beyond the Tree Works

December 19 — Christmas Party
December 23 — Christmas Eve Service

*Participation is coordinated through the approved ministry team.
These gatherings are not public drop-in or volunteer events.

Love beyond the familiar

Love Reaches Beyond Prison Walls

God's love doesn't stop at a prison wall.

This Christmas, Heritage will celebrate with men at the Kewanee Life Skills ReEntry Center through a Christmas party and Christmas Eve service.

These gatherings are opportunities to share the hope and joy of Jesus and remind men that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

Another way to participate

Make an Impact Through Giving

Whether you're able to shop, connect, write a note, or serve, every act of love matters.

Financial generosity is another way to support Christmas Outreach. You can give toward Christmas Outreach or offer a special gift of encouragement to our missionaries and church-planting partners.

Give Toward Christmas Outreach

*Select "Christmas Outreach" or "Across the Miles" from the giving options.

Helpful information

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about getting involved? Here are a few things that may help.

Where can I find the Giving Trees?

Giving Trees are at both Heritage campuses during Sunday gatherings on November 8, 15, and 22. You can also participate through our virtual Giving Tree .

When do I return my Giving Tree gift?

Please follow the return instructions on your Giving Tree tag. November 22 is the working return deadline, so check your tag or contact the church for final details.

Do I need to buy anything for Beyond the Tree?

No. Heritage provides the ornament-and-card kit. Additional purchases are completely optional. The goal is to encourage someone and build a meaningful personal connection.

How can I participate in Across the Miles?

Write a note or prayer for one of our missionaries or church-planting partners and place it in the designated collection box in your campus lobby. Optional financial gifts can also be made through our giving page by selecting "Across the Miles." Financial gifts are distributed equally among the five partners.

Is Christmas Shoppe a free gift giveaway?

No. Registered parents and caregivers can select and purchase up to two donated gifts per registered child at greatly reduced prices. This allows caregivers to personally choose gifts for their children, while proceeds support the ministry.

Can I register my family for Christmas Shoppe?

Family registration closed October 31. If you have questions about registration, contact Pastor Carolyn at missions@heritageqc.com .

How can I volunteer at Christmas Shoppe?

Visit the Christmas Shoppe volunteer sign-up to see available opportunities and shifts.

Still Have Questions?

We'd love to help you find your next step. Contact Missions Pastor Carolyn.

missions@heritageqc.com
309-732-0008

Love Doesn't Stay Distant.
Love Moves Toward People.

God came near to us in Jesus. This Christmas, we have the opportunity to move toward someone else with that same love.

Take a tag. Take a kit. Encourage a partner. Take a shift. Start with one step.

Find Your Next Step

LOVE MOVES TOWARD PEOPLE.