Each December Rochester’s Holy Apostles Church fills with donated gifts and Christmas cheer during the Christmas Blessing Project, an annual giveaway that allows needy community members to shop for holiday gifts. On Dec. 17 people walked through the church’s pews, perusing toys, games, clothing and more as they gathered gifts for family. Shoppers also received on-site gift wrapping and a large food basket. More than a hundred families, totaling roughly 642 people, were helped this year.
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Shopper Jamie Sharpe (left) laughs as she is assisted by volunteer Dennis Infantino.
Volunteer Mary Ellen Peck (right) helps Lynn Marie Strozier shop for her kids.
Each family could select a quilt or blanket. Above, Sophia Benitez looks at clothing near the pile of quilts.
Shoppers had hundreds of games to choose from at the back of the church.
Volunteer Suzanne Robinson smiles as she wraps gifts for a shopper.
Junebug Brown hugs volunteer Becky Orsini after Orsini wrapped gifts for him.
