News from the Neighborhood

CHRISTMAS STORE 2024 RECAP

The Annual Neighborhood Christmas Store is such an exciting time on the Parker Street Ministries campus! Thanks to the generosity of this amazing community, families from two low-income neighborhoods were blessed! Parents, kids, family members, volunteers, and donors all participated in The Gift of Giving. Here's a recap:

103 families purchased 2,299 gifts for 269 kids over the course of three days (including 82 bikes and 205 gift cards)
New this year, 14 grandparents purchased 261 gifts for their grandkids at a special shopping shift
165 children and teenagers purchased an additional 825 gifts for their family members at Kids’ Corner
292 volunteers filled 447 activity slots, totaling 992 volunteer hours

FALL PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Bringing the "Not Just a Scribble" book to life with a creative art project.

Bible trivia during chapel.

Students dive into kitchen safety and learn basic cooking skills.

Jen Lay and Crystal Tatis of The Lay Group with EXP Realty discussed the workforce opportunities available in real estate.

Homework and study time with volunteers.

VISTE Thanksgiving project with PSM kids and members of the UthMpact Polk Leadership Program.

Learning the proper use of fire extinguishers thanks to Alert Fire Safety.

Private Boutique Session at Top Buttons for college-aged girls from the neighborhood. Photo provided by Top Buttons.

STAFF NEWS

Congrats to Education Director, Christina Allen, who was selected for Inside Polk County Public Schools Class III.

Meet Katie McMullen: AEP Program Support! Learn more about Katie here.

Meet Joy Williams: Volunteer & Neighborhood Events Coordinator! Learn more about Joy here.

NOW HIRING FULL-TIME POSITIONS

New year, new team members! Now hiring full-time Leasing Specialist and Academic Enrichment Program K-8th Assistant Director. Benefits include health insurance, 401k match, paid vacation time, and more! Click here to learn more and apply!⁠ ⁠

VOLUNTEER AT PSM

Volunteers are needed for the after-school Academic Enrichment Program Mondays-Thursdays from 4:15-5:45 p.m. If you are interested, email volunteer@psmlakeland.org or call (863) 682-4544. LEARN MORE

PRAY WITH US

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Will you pray with us in 2025? January prayer focus:

Smooth transition into the new year
Fruitful Academic Enrichment Program semester
Hiring for new and vacant positions