- November 23, 2024
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Nadine King’s not-for-profit upstart, Christmas Come True, opened a creative artisan shop, in Flagler Beach, to promote local culture and community, as well as to deliver gifts.
For Nadine King, her new store is not just a new job.
“Some people call it a ministry, and some people call it a calling,” said King, founder of Flagler Beach not-for-profit organization Christmas Come True. “For me, it’s a calling. It’s something I wanted to do for years.”
Established in 2009, King’s Christmas Come True foundation was in the works for decades. In the 1980s, when the first Iraq war sent panic through her Virginia hometown, she and a friend organized a Halloween-themed charity ball to raise money in support.
“That’s when I got hooked,” she said.
Ever since, King has been mapping out a plan. Then, when the economy began to fall apart, she knew it was time to follow through.
In 2010, Christmas Come True helped 86 families, including 255 children, experience the holiday. The foundation supplies holiday dinners, as well as new outfits, full stockings and parent-suggested toys to every daughter and son.
For 2011, King wants to increase the number of families she helps to 100.
Nadine also plans to use her store to promote art in the community.
Set beside Bahama Mama’s in Flagler Beach’s Village Shops complex, Christmas Come True has opened A Frame of Mind Center artisan shop. Inside are books and clothing, paintings, crafts, soaps and snacks — all of it created by local artists, writers and hobbyists. A portion of all proceeds sold is donated to King’s organization.
“What I’m trying to do is provide (local artists) with a space where they can promote their (work),” King said. “These are little cottage businesses that I want to see grow and blossom. I also want people to be inspired.”
A book signing with sculptors Paul and Joan Baliker and poet Bonnie S. Bostrom was held Wednesday, March 16, in the new Christmas Come True storefront. King plans to feature a signing every month for each author who displays his or her work at the center. A second signing, with author Tim Baker, is scheduled for April 1.
There will also be art lessons — from jewelry making to pottery — hosted by volunteers. The first class, led by Michelle Catalano, will focus on wearable art and begin Wednesday, March 23. The cost is $45 for two three-hour classes.
It started with door-to-door fundraising and a few golf tournaments and charity balls, but King’s organization has transformed. Eventually, she sees the A Frame of Mind Center becoming a centralized hub for all of the area’s nonprofit groups, a place where those in need can connect with the appropriate organization. She envisions an in-house counseling center, as well.
“It’s all about the community helping the community be strong amongst ourselves,” King said. “ … Regardless of how much money we had to put into it … I felt it was something I had to do. It’s literally something that wakes me up every morning, at 5 a.m. and says: ‘You gotta get up!’”
