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Helping Others In Need this Holiday Season »
There are two distinct types of Christmas Gift Drive ornaments for 2025
NOTE: Both ornaments have their own specific gift-buying instructions! Make sure you read and follow them carefully so gifts arrive on time for the Littles!
The “STAR”. This ornament shape represents the Four-Seven, our 10X prison ministry partner. Gifts you and your family purchase will benefit the children of an incarcerated parent. Your gifts will bring joy to these families in the Cincinnati region and all across Ohio.
The “GLOBE”. This ornament shape represents our Sites. 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.
My Ornament has a QR Code on it. Why?
The Ornament QR code is for bonus holiday content, only. (It has nothing to do with buying gifts). Hang the ornament on the tree and pray as a family for your child.
What is QR Code on the Instructions / Child Info Tag for?
This QR code is part of the purchasing process and will make shopping easier.
The Star and Globe ornaments each have a QR code printed on it. The QR code contains an embedded link that takes you directly to the online Amazon gift registry for the gifts our non-profit partners have identified for their children.
You will see all the categories of children available if you would like to purchase even more to bless them.
What is the difference between the QR Code on my ornament and the QR code on my Instructions tag?
Ornament QR Codes: These are for information and bonus content.
Instructions Tag QR Codes: These are part of the purchasing process and will make shopping easier. They take you to the gift registries.
Please refer to the How To Shop for Gifts for my Site and How To Shop for Gifts for the Four-Seven for specific gift-buying instructions. They are very different. Make sure you read and follow them carefully so gifts arrive on time for the Littles!
How do I buy gifts for my Site?
Refer to the gift-buying instructions tag that is attached to your GLOBE ornament. Instructions feature information about your child. There are 2 ways to shop for him or her:
1. ONLINE: Go to your Site’s Amazon Gift Registry via QR code. Buy any gift in your child's category. At checkout, send the gift to yourself.
2. IN STORE: Use your Site’s Amazon Gift Registry for inspiration. Buy a similar gift listed in your child’s age category from your favorite retailer.
DO NOT WRAP YOUR GIFT
TAPE THE INSTRUCTIONS / CHILD INFO TAG TO YOUR UNWRAPPED GIFT
BRING YOUR UNWRAPPED GIFT TO YOUR SITE ON SUNDAY DEC 7
I lost my tag so I can’t attach it to my gift. What should I do?
Hey, life happens, right? Just refer to your ornament. The same information about your child is listed there too. Handwrite that on a post-it and tape it to your gift. Easy-peasy.
How do I buy gifts for the Four-Seven?
Refer to the gift-buying instructions tag that is attached to your STAR ornament.
ONLINE: Go to the Four-Seven Amazon Gift Registry via the QR code listed on the tag. You can buy any gift in that category.
At check out, be sure to confirm and select the “ship to” address for the Christmas Warehouse which is 800 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214
DO NOT SEND THESE GIFTS TO YOURSELF, OR ANY ADDITIONAL ADDRESS AMAZON MIGHT STORE IN YOUR PERSONAL HISTORY. SHIP ONLY TO THE “CHRISTMAS WAREHOUSE” ADDRESS
ALL GIFTS MUST BE ORDERED BY MONDAY, NOV 24 TO MAKE IT TO THE WAREHOUSE IN TIME FOR ALL CHRISTMAS MIRACLE EVENTS
I accidentally shipped my Four-Seven gift to myself, not the Christmas Warehouse. Can I bring it to my Site on Dec 7 for the Four-Seven?
No. Unfortunately, if you sent the gift to yourself thinking you could drop it off to your Site on Dec 7, it will not make it to the Four-Seven. Those pre-approved, specific gifts need to be ordered by Nov 24 and sent to the Christmas Warehouse for packing and delivery.
Please follow the ordering and shipping instructions carefully. Ensure you are selecting “ship to” the Christmas Warehouse at checkout, so your gift makes it in time and to the correct place. When you do, the Four-Seven “littles” will have a very special Christmas with their parents.
I accidentally shipped my Four-Seven gift to the wrong address, not the Christmas Warehouse. What should I do?
To ensure your gift arrives in time and to the right place, please carefully follow all the instructions around ordering and shipping. We are unable to assist with gifts that are shipped incorrectly.
When do I have to purchase my gifts, and where do I take them?
Site gifts are due on Sunday Dec 7. Bring your unwrapped gifts to your Site on this day. Remember to tape your Instructions / Child Info tag to the gift you buy to help volunteers sort them as they are received at your Site.
Four-Seven gifts must be ordered online via the Four-Seven Amazon gift registry by Monday Nov 24. At the Amazon checkout, don’t forget to select “ship to” the Christmas Warehouse. These gifts must be sent there. Do not bring these gifts to your Site.
The following sites will be participating in Christmas Shops to support their community partners, either at a Crossroads or off-site location. If you do not see your site it will not be participating in a Christmas Shop this year. Serving at a Christmas Shop can be a great family experience as children 5+ are welcome to serve with their families. If you want to serve at a Christmas Shop or in other ways, check out the volunteer opportunities here.
Columbus + A Kid Again
Location: A Kid Again, 717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43211
Saturday Dec 13, 8:30AM - 5:00PM
East Side + IPM Food Pantry
Location: Crossroads East Side, 4450 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45245
Monday Dec 15 through Thursday Dec 18, times vary
Florence + Multiple Non-Profit Partners & Schools
Location: Crossroads Florence, 828 Heights Blvd, Florence, KY 41042
Saturday Dec 13, 8:30AM - 2:00PM
Lexington + Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Location: Kentucky Refugee Ministries, 501 West 6th St, Suite 250, Lexington, KY 40508
Thursday Dec 11 through Friday Dec 12, times vary
Mason + 18 Non-profit Partners
Location: Crossroads Mason, 990 Reading Rd, Mason, OH 45040
Saturday Dec 13, 8:30AM - 5:00PM
West Side + Whitewater Crossing Church, Tram Food Pantry, Western Hills High School & BE Concerned
Location: Crossroads West Side, 8575 Bridgetown Rd, Cleves, OH 45002
Saturday Dec 13, 8:30AM - 1:30PM and Wednesday Dec 17, 3:30PM - 8:30PM
What if I know someone who could use help getting gifts for their child or children?
You are the church! If you know someone in need, follow the steps below to care for your neighbor. You can do it!
Do I need to shop online?
For the Four-Seven - Yes, you must shop online for gifts. The gifts listed in that Amazon registry have been vetted by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. These gifts are predetermined and approved well in advance of the Christmas Miracle events due to security and safety for staff, residents and their families. Remember to select “ship to” the Christmas Warehouse at check-out. All gift orders need to be placed by Monday Nov 24, 2025.
For Physical Sites - Online shopping is optional for gifts. Short on time? We hope the listed Amazon gift registry helps you. Just remember to send the gift to yourself at check-out. Wanna shop as a family at your favorite local store? Use the Amazon gift registry for inspo and buy a “like” item listed for your child. Whether you shop online or in store, remember to bring your unwrapped gifts back to your Site on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Through the Amazon gift registries, can I ship my Four-Seven / Site gift(s) directly to my Crossroads Site?
No!
Four-Seven gifts must get shipped to the Christmas Warehouse. As you check out of Amazon, be sure to select this option. Do not bring them to your Site!
Site gifts should be sent to your home. You will need to bring your unwrapped gift with the "Instructions / Child Info” attached to your Site on Sunday Dec 7.
My Amazon order shows that my Four-Seven gift(s) are arriving after normal business hours. Will the gifts be okay?
Yes! Four-Seven gifts will be delivered to our Christmas Warehouse located at CityLink, which will have secured and locked accommodations for after-hour deliveries.
Can you see when Four-Seven Amazon 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?
For those choosing to shop for Four-Seven or Site gifts via the respective Amazon gift registries, 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 CityLink and you will see this “ship to” address:
CGD - 800 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214
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!
Do I need to shop online?
For the Four-Seven - Yes, you must shop online for gifts. The gifts listed in that Amazon registry have been vetted by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. These gifts are predetermined and approved well in advance of the Christmas Miracle events due to security and safety for staff, residents and their families.
For Physical Sites - Online shopping is optional for gifts. Short on time? We hope the listed Amazon gift registry helps you. Just remember to send the gift to yourself at check-out. Wanna shop as a family at your favorite local store? Use the Amazon gift registry for inspo and buy a “like” item listed for your child. Whether you shop online or in store, remember to bring your unwrapped gifts back to your Site on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
What is the last day to purchase gifts?
The last date to purchase gifts for the Four-Seven and Sites are listed below:
Site Gifts - Sunday Dec 7
Remember, your gift is due Dec 7 at your Site too!. If you forget, you can always swing by Target or Kohls that morning to pick something up and join us for a later service.
Four-Seven Gifts - All gifts need to be ordered by Monday Nov 24
As a minimum, how many gifts should I buy for the child I selected?
Each ornament represents one gift per child. You can take as many ornaments as you like. Please remember to return as many gifts as you have ornaments. When you commit to buying a gift, you are bringing dignity, hope and joy to parents and their children.
Can I buy additional gifts for my child?
Yes. Whether you selected a child with Four-Seven or from your Site, you can buy additional gifts for your child or other children. Please refer to the Four-Seven’s or your Site’s Amazon gift registry to see the full list of gifts for your child and the other open Child Categories. Please know you are not expected to buy additional gifts. Thank you for your generous heart.
I’m trying to buy my gift through the Amazon gift registry but see that my Child Category is “sold out.” What should I do?
Just like a traditional gift registry, when an item or category sells out, please choose another gift. Remember - everything on the gift registry is intended for a child in need. No matter what you choose, you will be blessing a child Christmas morning.
I only have one tag to attach to one gift. But I bought more gifts for my child and other children. What should I do?
First, thank you for your generosity! You are blessing so many children on Christmas morning.
Just bring all the extra gifts in a bag. Do not wrap them. If you know the child category you bought extra gifts from, you can always hand-write it on the bag.
Just let the volunteers know which gift is associated with the ornament (the tag will help too), which gifts are the extras, and what category you bought from. This will help our volunteers receive, track and sort all the gifts coming in on Dec 7.
What is the average cost range of a single Christmas gift?
Most gifts will range from $3 to $50.
May I deliver my gifts directly to the family?
No. We partner with non-profit organizations that create wonderful Christmas 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!
If you want to volunteer at the Christmas Pop Up Shops this year, you can! Check out the [Christmas Pop Up Shop Locations and Schedule](https://www.crossroads.net/christmas-gift-drive). You and your family will see first hand how your generosity and kindness are making an impact for families.
What is the Christmas Miracle Event?
An annual INSIDE event coordinated by 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?
40 events are being hosted in 6 local + 23 remote prisons throughout the state of Ohio. See www.crossroads.net/CGD for details.
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?
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. Many 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 EVENT Info Session. If you are driving directly to the institution, park in the VISITOR parking lot and enter through the main entrance. The EVENT 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!
EVENT 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 Christmas Miracle 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 four-sevenfamilies@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 EVENT 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 four-sevenfamilies@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!