GIVING BACK THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas can bring a lot of joy and sometimes a lot of pressure. Giving Hope is one way our Central Church family comes alongside local parents to help make Christmas a little brighter. You don't need to attend our church to be part of Giving Hope. If you've been invited to apply, we're glad you're here. This webpage and application link are private. Please don't forward them to others or post them on social media. This helps us make sure we have enough gifts and space to care well for the families we invite. Thank you for helping us do that.

What is giving hope?

Giving Hope is a special Christmas shopping experience where invited parents can visit a Christmas store created by our Central Church family and choose gifts for their children for completely free.

For weeks leading up to the event, people from Central Church donate new toys for children of all ages and give money to help purchase gifts.

Together, we're able to serve up to 500 children each year. Donations help determine how many children we can welcome, so applying is the first step. Our team will let you know once your application has been reviewed.

WHo is giving hope for?

Giving Hope is for local families who have received an invitation to apply through a guidance counselor, caseworker, friend, or referral.

Families must live within 20 miles of our Augusta or China campus.

Each year, we make a few adjustments to help us continue serving families well while making room for families who haven't had the opportunity to participate before.

MORE THAN JUST GIFTS

Our heart is to offer more than Christmas presents. We want you to experience kindness, enjoy time set aside for you, and hear about the hope we've found in Jesus.

When you arrive, we'll welcome you and spend a little time sharing that hope with you.

Then it's time to shop! You'll be paired with a personal shopper who will walk with you as you choose gifts for your children.

Once you've finished, our wrapping team will wrap and tag your gifts while you enjoy refreshments and a little time to relax. We want this to be a part of Christmas you can enjoy, too.

Application information BEFORE you APPLY 

Eligibility & Returning Families
Each year, we make a few adjustments to help us serve families well and welcome new families.
For Giving Hope 2026:
  • First-time families are welcome to apply through the invitation they received.
  • Families who have attended for one or two years will receive an invitation to apply again.
  • Families who have attended for three or more years are asked to use the waitlist application this year.
All families must live within 20 miles of our Augusta or China campus.
The Waitlist
If your family has attended Giving Hope for three or more years, we're asking you to use the waitlist application this year so we can make room for new families.

We know this may be a change for your family. After Giving Hope ends, we sometimes have gifts remaining, and we would love to make those available to additional families.

If you join the waitlist, we may contact you if gifts are available. We can't promise what will remain or guarantee that we'll be able to help every family on the list.
Approval & Choosing Your Shopping Time
Once you submit your application, our team will review it. Your family must be approved before you can schedule a shopping time.

If approved, you'll receive a link to choose an available appointment at the location closest to you.

Shopping appointments will be available at:
  • Central Church Augusta Campus
  • Central Church China Campus
  • A location in Gardiner
Please choose your shopping time within 72 hours of receiving your approval link. Appointments fill quickly, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

Your family's place is reserved once your shopping appointment is approved and you've received confirmation. Application approval alone does not guarantee a shopping appointment.

GIVING HOPE 2026 APPLICATION

APPLICATION
WAITLIST
You and your family are also welcome at our Christmas services! We'll have a kids program, and you'll receive an invitation with all the details.