The Beth Capuson Friendship Christmas Store wraps up another season with hope and happiness

“I am the Lord’s servant, may Your Word to me be fulfilled”  – Luke 1:38

In Luke, the story of God’s plan was revealed to Mary, the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Mary was obedient. Just like Mary, twelve years ago Beth Capuson was given the vision to make a difference in children’s lives and she was obedient to her calling. She followed this calling and implemented what became the Friendship Christmas Store. 

It all started with 17 Seminole County families that needed assistance during Christmas. To put her plan into motion Beth  involved members of Friendship Methodist Church where she served as Family and Children’s Coordinator, as well as Seminole County’s Family Connections Coordinator. Her desire was to encourage families to take ownership of providing for their family with their hard earned resources, to be encouraged through difficult times with a feeling of self-worth that they are providing for their family, and to make sure children had a warm coat, pajamas and a toy on Christmas morning. The thought of a child not feeling the love of Jesus and not having anything on Christmas morning was heartbreaking to her.

She developed a brilliant plan of requiring applicants to take the initiative and be proactive by providing proof of guardianship of the child, providing proof of Seminole County residency, and proof the child was fifth grade level age or younger. 

During the application process several weeks prior to Christmas, they were given a specific day and time to come shop at the Christmas Store. 100% funded through member donations of new coats, pajamas and toys, the family was allowed to shop at their appointed time and select gifts they knew would appeal to their child and not a gift that had been picked out by someone they didn’t know. 

Only a few shoppers were allowed at each time slot so that parents would have a relaxed and meaningful experience. No chaos! They were allowed to purchase the items at substantially reduced costs so that they left feeling like they had provided for their child.

Nine years ago, Beth passed away during the Christmas season after a valiant battle with cancer. Her influence on her church and community had instilled the desire to serve as she did and carry on her legacy. 

This year the Beth Capuson Christmas Store, renamed in her memory, assisted 90 families with approximately 200 children. Eliciting the help of over 75 volunteers to donate new coats, pajamas, toys, bikes and money and volunteer their time to work in the store, this project has grown by leaps and bounds. 

The store was also able to gift each family with a turkey for their Christmas meal. Over 100 shiny new bikes, new coats and pajamas, and a vast array of wonderful toys were purchased. Everything was then beautifully gift wrapped to be ready for Christmas morning.

The Lord opened doors at every obstacle and provided and protected in a mighty way. 

It was a great year and one that would make Capuson beam with pride; and the day after Christmas, volunteers began the process for next year’s store and another year of wrapping up hope and happiness for families in need in the community.