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There are two distinct types of Christmas Gift Drive ornaments for 2026
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.
Why does the Site Globe ornament have a child's name, but the Four-Seven Star ornament does not?
Each ornament represents a special opportunity to bring joy to a child this Christmas!
Site Globe ornaments include a child's name because the gifts are selected to meet the specific needs of children and families served by our local community partners.
Four-Seven Star ornaments represent children with an incarcerated parent. While these ornaments don't include individual names, every gift request has been thoughtfully reviewed to ensure the gifts are appropriate and will reach the children they're intended for.
Whether you choose a Globe or a Star, your generosity helps remind a child that they are seen, loved, and remembered this Christmas.
Both Ornaments have a QR Code. Why?
This QR code is part of the purchasing process and will make shopping easier, if you prefer to shop online for gifts.
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 the Four-Seven and our non-profit Partners have identified for their children.
You will see all the age categories of children available if you would like to purchase even more to bless them.
Hang the ornaments on your tree and pray as a family for your child.
What is the QR Code on the Square Christmas Gift Drive Tag for?
This QR code is for bonus holiday content, only. It has nothing to do with buying gifts. You can scan to listen to an audio experience that will help you slow down and pray intentionally for your child and your child’s family.
What is the difference between the QR Code on my Globe and Star ornaments, and the QR code on my Square Christmas Gift Drive tag?
Star and Globe Ornament QR Codes: These are part of the purchasing process and will make shopping easier. They take you to the gift registries that will benefit the children the Four-Seven and our non-profit Partners serve.
Square Tag QR Codes: These are for bonus content.
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 on 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 the QR code listed on the ornament and navigate to your child’s age category. You can buy any gift in that category. At check out, 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
BRING YOUR UNWRAPPED GIFT TO YOUR SITE ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 5, OR SUNDAY DECEMBER 6 DURING SERVICE TIMES.
How do I buy gifts for the Four-Seven?
Refer to the gift-buying instructions on your STAR ornament. There is only one way to shop for these children.
ONLINE: Go to the Four-Seven Amazon Gift Registry via the QR code listed on the ornament. You can buy gifts for any child in any category.
At check out, be sure to confirm and select the “ship to” address for the Christmas Miracle 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 MIRACLE WAREHOUSE” ADDRESS
ALL GIFTS MUST BE ORDERED BY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 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 Miracle Warehouse. Can I bring it to my Site on the weekend of Dec 5-6 for the Four-Seven?
No. Unfortunately, if you sent the gift to yourself thinking you could drop it off to your Site during the Site gift collection weekend, it will not make it to the Four-Seven. Those pre-approved, specific gifts need to be ordered by November 24 and sent to the Christmas Miracle Warehouse for packing and delivery.
Please follow the ordering and shipping instructions carefully. Ensure you are selecting “ship to” the Christmas Miracle 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 Miracle 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 the weekend of December 5-6. Bring your unwrapped gifts to your Site either of these days during service times.
Four-Seven gifts must be ordered online via the Four-Seven Amazon gift registry by Tuesday November 24. At the Amazon checkout, don’t forget to select “ship to” the Christmas Miracle Warehouse. These gifts must be sent there. Do not bring these gifts to your Site.
I can't make the Gift Collection Weekend on December 5–6 at my Site. Can I return my gifts early or late?
Unfortunately, no. If your plans change, we encourage you to ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to drop off your gifts on your behalf.
Behind the scenes, a lot of hands and hearts are working together to move thousands of gifts from our Sites to our Partners and into the hands of families. Returning your gifts at the scheduled time helps everything run smoothly and honors the time and care of the volunteers and Partners making Christmas special for families across our communities.
Thank you for helping us make it all happen!
The following Sites will be participating in Christmas Gift Shops to support their respective community Partners. Families with children are welcome to serve together at our Christmas Shops. If no specific age recommendation is listed, children ages 5 and older are welcome to participate.
If you want to serve with your family to support the Christmas Gift Shops, check out the volunteer Sign Up opportunities here. Christmas Gift Shops may be hosted at the Crossroads Site or the Partner location. If you do not see your Site, it will not be participating in a Christmas Shop this year.
Columbus + Young Life
Location: Scarlet City Church, 114 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43214
Thursday Dec 10, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
East Side + West Clermont High School
Location: West Clermont High School, 4350 Aicholtz Road, Cincinnati, OH 45245
Saturday Dec 12, 8:15AM - 5:30PM
Florence + Multiple Non-Profit Partners & Schools
Location: Crossroads Florence, 828 Heights Blvd, Florence, KY 41042
Saturday Dec 12, 9:30AM - 3:00PM
Lexington + Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Location: Kentucky Refugee Ministries, 501 West 6th Street, Suite 250, Lexington, KY 40508
Thursday Dec 10, 10:00AM - 6:00PM and Friday Dec 11, 9:30AM - 3:00PM
Mason + 18 Non-profit Partners
Location: Crossroads Mason, 990 Reading Rd, Mason, OH 45040
Saturday Dec 12, 8:30AM - 5:00PM
West Side + Saylor Park School, Dearborn Clearinghouse Food Pantry, Sissies Pantry at Oak Hills United Methodist Church, Learning Grove, The Help Squad and Table of Hope
Location: Crossroads West Side, 8575 Bridgetown Rd, Cleves, OH 45002
Saturday Dec 12, 8:30AM - 1:30PM and Wednesday Dec 16, 3:30PM - 8:30PM
What if I know someone who needs help providing Christmas gifts for their children?
You are the church! Christmas is an opportunity to share the joy, generosity, and hope of Jesus with the people around us. If you know a family who could use a little extra help making Christmas special for their children, you can make a meaningful difference!
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 Miracle Warehouse at check-out. All gift orders need to be placed by Tuesday November 24, 2026.
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 during the weekend of December 5-6, 2026.
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 Miracle 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 to your Site the weekend of December 5-6.
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 the Christmas Miracle 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 for the Four-Seven get delivered to the correct location - the Christmas Miracle Warehouse. How can I ensure my gifts get shipped there?
Great question! The Four-Seven is receiving gifts again at CityLink. 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. Look for and select “Christmas Miracle Warehouse - The Four Seven” with this address:
Christmas Miracle Warehouse - The Four Seven
800 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214
The Christmas Miracle 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 during the weekend of December 5-6, 2026.
What is the last day to purchase gifts?
The last date to purchase gifts for Sites and the Four-Seven are listed below:
Site Gifts - Sunday, December 6, 2026
Remember, your gift is due December 6 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 Tuesday November 24
As a minimum, how many gifts should I buy for the child I selected?
Each Star and Globe 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.
Will the child on my Site ornament actually receive the gift I purchase for him or her?
Yes! That's the heart behind our Site ornaments. Each ornament represents a child served by one of our local community partners, and the gifts on our registries are thoughtfully selected based on the specific needs of those children.
But here's something pretty amazing about the generosity of our Crossroads community: people often go above and beyond! It's not unusual for someone to purchase multiple gifts for the child or age group represented on their ornament. Because of this generosity, some gift categories may be fulfilled quickly, before everyone has a chance to shop.
Don't worry! You can still make Christmas special for a child. Every gift on our registries is connected to a real need for a child in our community. If the age category associated with your ornament is already fulfilled, simply choose a gift from another available category. Your generosity will still help bring joy to a child on Christmas morning!
And remember, the most meaningful gift you can give doesn't come from a registry. Take a moment to pray for the child on your ornament and their family. Pray that, through the joy of Christmas and the kindness of others, they experience just how deeply they are seen, valued, and loved by Jesus.
Whether you're shopping for the child on your ornament or another child in need, you're helping make Christmas brighter for a family in our community.
Can I buy additional gifts for my child?
Absolutely! But please know, there's no expectation to give more than one gift. Your generosity, no matter the amount, is already making a meaningful difference this Christmas!
Whether you selected a Four-Seven Star or a Site Globe ornament, if you're able and would like to give a little extra, you're welcome to purchase additional gifts for your child or another child in need.
Simply visit the Four-Seven or your Site's Amazon Gift Registry to explore the full list of gifts and see which Child Categories still have open needs.
Thank you for your generous heart! Every gift is an opportunity to bring joy to a child and remind them that they are seen, valued, and loved this Christmas.
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.
What is the average cost range of a single Christmas gift?
All gifts will range from $10 to $50, pending the Child Category and type of gifts needed.
I forgot to return my Christmas gifts during my Site’s scheduled Gift Collection Weekend. What should I do?
Life happens—we get it! If you missed your Site’s scheduled gift drop-off, please email go@crossroads.net or send us a message through crossroads.net. Your local ReachOut Site Director will help you figure out next steps.
Thousands of Christmas gifts are making their way from our Sites to our community Partners, where families will have the opportunity to choose gifts for their children. Every gift matters, and so does the timing! Setting a reminder and returning your gifts as scheduled helps our Partners prepare for their Christmas Shops and ensures families can experience the joy and dignity of choosing something special for their children.
Thank you for helping make Christmas meaningful for families across our communities!
May I deliver my gifts directly to the family?
While you won't deliver your gifts directly to a family, you're helping create something really special this Christmas!
We partner with local nonprofit organizations to host Christmas Gift Shops, where parents and guardians can enjoy a meaningful shopping experience and personally choose gifts they know their children will love. These shops are thoughtfully designed to honor each family's dignity, celebrate the joy of giving, and empower parents to make Christmas special for their children.
Your generosity makes these moments possible! Every gift helps create a memorable Christmas experience for families in our community.
Want to be part of the magic? We'd love for you and your family to volunteer at a Christmas Gift Shop! It's a wonderful opportunity to serve alongside our community partners and see firsthand how your kindness and generosity are bringing joy and hope to families this Christmas.
Explore our Christmas Gift Shop serving opportunities here.
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?
40 events are being hosted in 6 local + 22 remote prisons throughout the state of Ohio, 1 in Kentucky and 1 in Missouri. See www.crossroads.net/CGD for details.
Can I volunteer at a prison of the opposite sex?
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!