I can choose from two different types of Christmas Gift Drive ornaments - one has a picture on it and the other one does not. Is there a difference between them?
Yes. When you select an ornament with a picture, the gifts you and your family purchase will benefit the children of an incarcerated parent through our prison ministry partner, the Four-Seven. Your gifts will bring joy to these families in the Cincinnati region and all across Ohio.
When you select an ornament without a picture, the gifts you and your family purchase will benefit the local children our Sites’ non-profit partners serve. Your gifts will bring joy to the local families within your respective communities across our region.
How do I shop for Christmas gifts?
We’re excited to share that there will be two ways to shop for Christmas Gifts!
For our Oakley Site:
We are partnering with our local toy store, King Arthur’s Court! As a family, you can visit and shop together in person. If you prefer to shop online with King Arthur’s Court, they have created a special shopping link specifically for our Crossroads Oakley community.
For all of our other Sites, and Anywhere:
We have created specific Amazon Shopping Lists based on our partners’ needs for the children and families they serve. You can shop at your convenience.
I love the idea of taking my family to King Arthur’s Court and having our children be involved! Where is it and what can I expect when I visit King Arthur’s Court toy store?
Again, King Arthur’s Court is specifically for our Oakley Site this year. It is located at 3040 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209. Their telephone number is (513) 531-4600.
IN PERSON VISIT:
If you plan to visit in person, a guest parking lot is next to their building. Once inside, you will see the toys our local non-profit partners requested marked with special labels. You and your children can shop together.
In store signage will direct you to the designated checkout register for all Crossroads CGD purchases. King Arthur’s Court accepts all forms of payment. At checkout, we encourage you to please leave your gift with the staff at King Arthur’s Court. They are collecting all the purchased gifts on Crossroads’ behalf. Having all the gifts in one location helps with inventory and planning. Together with King Arthur’s Court, we will ensure all the gifts get delivered to our non-profit partner.
Along with shop staff, our Crossroads volunteers will be at King Arthur’s Court on Sunday Nov 24 and Sunday Dec 1 from 11am-6pm to help you with all your shopping needs.
Hours of operation for shopping are listed below for your convenience:
I really want to take the King Arthur’s Court gifts with me. May I?
No, we encourage you to please leave your gifts with the shop staff. From inventory planning and stockroom support, King Arthur’s Court is set up to manage these logistics on behalf of Crossroads. The Oakley Site simply isn't equipped with the required capacity for an event of this size and scope. King Arthur’s Count is and we are grateful for their partnership!
Do I need to shop online?
Yes…and no, depending on which Site you attend.
If you are shopping for your selected child out of Oakley, you have the choice of visiting our local toy store, King Arthur’s Court, either in person or online here
If you are shopping for your child out of any other Site, or Anywhere, YES! You will need to shop online at Amazon. Our sites have limited storage to accommodate the nearly 12,000 total gifts that will be given to children. Gifts must be purchased online so they can be shipped to central locations (primarily our Christmas Warehouse), where there is ample space for unpackaging and sorting.
What is the last day to purchase gifts?
The last date to purchase gifts is December 8, 2024.
How many gifts should I buy for the child I selected?
Please purchase two gifts per child. Each parent or guardian that shops for their child will be getting two gifts per child. If you wish to purchase additional gifts for other children, you can shop for additional items–again, two per child–from the same Amazon list. Thank you for your generosity!
Do I need to pick up or drop off gifts at any time?
No, you don’t. Whether shopping at King Arthur’s Court (in person/online), or shopping online at Amazon for all our other Sites, we have arranged for all gifts to be collected at King Arthur’s or our Christmas Warehouse when shipped.
What is the average cost range of a single Christmas gift?
All gifts will range from $10-$40.
May I deliver my gifts directly to the family?
No. We partner with non-profit organizations that create wonderful shopping environments designed to preserve the dignity and independence of a "shopping experience" and choice. Parents or guardians can pick the perfect gift they believe their children will love. Your generous gifts help to make this experience incredibly meaningful and memorable for the whole family!
Are the Christmas shops happening at Crossroads sites?
East Side and Mason will host Christmas shops onsite. All other Sites will host Christmas shops at our non-profit partner organizations.
What if I know someone who could use help getting gifts for their kid(s)?
You are the church! If you know someone in need, follow the steps below to care for your neighbor. You can do it!
My ornaments have a QR Code on them. Why are they there, and should I scan them with my mobile phone?
Yes, please! This is an easy way for you to purchase gifts for your child.
Each ornament has a QR code printed on it. The QR code contains an embedded link that takes you directly to the online shopping list for the gifts our non-profit partners have identified for the children in the category listed on your ornament.
You will see all the categories of children available if you would like to purchase even more to bless them.
Can I ship my gift(s) directly to my Crossroads Site?
No, we encourage you to shop for gifts using the Amazon Gift List address. This enables gifts to be shipped to our Christmas Warehouse to accommodate for limited storage at our Sites.
My order shows that my gift(s) are arriving after normal business hours. Will the gifts be okay?
Yes! This year gifts will be delivered to our Christmas Warehouse, which will have secured and locked accommodations for after-hour deliveries.
Can you see when gifts are delivered?
Yes! Amazon allows you to “spoil your surprise.” We opted for this so that we can actively monitor the gift lists and deliveries.
What if my gift(s) shows up late?
We are monitoring the lists to ensure that an item's delivery time will in fact arrive on time. However, if something unexpected happens and the gift arrives after our Christmas Gift Drive events, the gift will still be donated.
Amazon is telling me I need to add delivery times. What should I do?
Amazon offers various delivery times. Rest assured that your gifts will arrive safely 24/7. We have secured and locked accommodations for after-hour deliveries. And for Saturday and Sunday deliveries.
I want to make sure the gifts I buy online get delivered to the correct location - the Crossroads CGD Christmas Warehouse. How can I ensure my gifts get shipped there?
Great question! Our CGD Christmas Warehouse is located at City Link this year. Shipping gifts there is easy:
As you check out online, be sure to select the “ship to” address that is listed within the Amazon Gift List. Our Christmas Warehouse is at City Link and you will see this “ship to” address:
CGD - 800 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214
An Important Reminder…
If you happen to have last year’s “2023 Christmas Wonderland” address saved in your Amazon account, we encourage you to delete it. We don’t want you to accidentally choose that one.
Our Christmas Warehouse will have secure and locked accommodations for all gifts being delivered after-hours.
Amazon didn’t add a photo to their delivery. How can I know it was delivered?
That’s alright, sometimes they don’t add photos! We can view deliveries and are monitoring them. We’re counting what is purchased and what comes in through the mail to ensure that your gift makes it to a child.
My gift returned undeliverable. What now?
We are so sorry! Amazon will automatically refund your card/payment method. You are welcome to purchase another gift from Amazon. Thank you for your generosity!
What is the Christmas Miracle Event?
An annual INSIDE event coordinated by The Four-Seven Ministries for residents and their families to relax and connect. The event typically includes a delicious holiday meal, games, photos, and fun. Residents select, wrap and present gifts to their children that Crossroads members generously donate via the Christmas Gift Drive. It is a time for residents to feel noticed, loved, encouraged, and not forgotten.
Where are Christmas Miracle events occurring?
34 Events are being hosted in 6 local + 20 remote prisons throughout the state of Ohio. Our Four-Seven serving event opportunities can be found here.
Can I volunteer at a prison of the opposite sex prison?
Absolutely. We encourage men to volunteer alongside women in female prisons and women to volunteer alongside men in male prisons as we want to replicate our communities to those behind bars.
I signed up. What now?
Complete the 2 mandatory forms to volunteer in prisons. Look for an email from Sign Now within 48 hours with links to required forms. Only once your forms are complete…
Save the Date for the SITE Info Session you will attend. Your SITE Team Captain will notify you of 2 choices - one and two weeks before your event date.
Attend the Info Session where you get details and ask questions.
May I volunteer at more than one location?
Sure. At sign-up indicate where you’d like to serve; however, logistically limit yourself to ONE location per day. Four locations have two events on the same day, if you sign-up for both, that could be a way to expand your experience.
Can I volunteer if I have ever been personally incarcerated?
Yes! To join us on the inside, you cannot be on parole or probation and it must be at least one year since your release. The locations we serve greatly value released individuals returning to prison as volunteers.
What do I wear?
OK, what’s inappropriate attire?
Will there be carpooling to locations on Event Days?
Carpooling is preferred and that’s a good question for your SITE Info Session. If you are driving directly to the institution, park in the VISITOR parking lot and enter through the main entrance. The SITE team will assemble in the waiting area and be processed through security together.
What do I need to know about ARRIVING at the institution?
What may I bring inside?
What are the event activities?
First time participating and not sure what role you’ll play? No worries!
Our VISION: Engaged families connecting and ENJOYING the day TOGETHER!
SITE Team Captains and their Support Leads will be present and direct you for one or more of the following:
If I am in contact with someone inside the prison can I also volunteer there
Sorry, no. You cannot volunteer in a prison where you have communication (including phone calls, emails, letters, or even communication with a person’s family) with an incarcerated person. All communication within the last 12 months with incarcerated individuals (at any facility) must be disclosed on a Nexus form you must complete prior to your approval.
May I bring an extra guest ‘to help out’ on the day of the event?
Unfortunately, NO. ALL INSIDE volunteers MUST complete the Crossroads Volunteer Sign-Up and eSign the proper paperwork. Invite them to join you outside. We would love additional help in the warehouse or with transportation. Email jhartford@thefourseven.org to express interest.
If I am volunteering INSIDE is there a way for others to reach me?
As noted, ALL cell phones and smartwatches MUST be left in your locked car. For EMERGENCY CONTACT ONLY you may provide the institution's published phone number distributed at the SITE Info Session. Callers must advise you are a part of the Christmas Miracle Inmate & Families Event.
How can I learn more about the prison ministry?
See the website of our partner, The Four Seven, at www.thefourseven.org/
What does The Four Seven stand for anyway?
Geez … probably should have answered that a few questions ago. It comes from Ephesians 4:7 “For all are deserving of grace according to Christ’s gift.”
Still have questions?
Reach out … really! Use help@thefourseven.org or 513-229-7947. It’s GO time and the whole team needs to flow as one. We will respond as quickly as possible to get you connected in whatever way you need. All we do is possible because of YOU. Thank you for all we will get to do for families this season!