Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a single Mom or scheduling will not allow my children’s father to participate in December 20, can I build a manger with my children?  No, we respectfully ask that you allow this to be an event where men work with the children. However, we want your children to participate. This would be a great opportunity for an uncle, grandfather or trusted friend to do something with the children. Additionally, each site will be expected to have some helpers on hand to assist with children who’s dads are unavailable for whatever reason.

What should I bring to the event?  Nothing but a hammer that your child can use and a great attitude. Don’t be anxious or in a hurry. Enjoy this time with your children.

How long will it take to build the manger? Depending upon the skill level of your children it may take as little as 20 minutes or as long as an hour to build the manger. The event locations are open from 9AM until 11AM so pick a time that meets your needs. We encourage you to take the kids out for breakfast and or shopping for a gift for mom either before or after building your manger.

What do I do with the manger after Christmas? If you don’t plan to do this again, save it for next year.  If you plan to make the NW Manger Build a tradition for your family we suggest you store the manger until just before Easter. Near Easter, take the manger out and disassemble it. Use the parts to build a cross. Use this to talk with your children about the fact that Christ came to the world as a babe in a manger with one job to do. He was to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The babe in the manger became the man on the cross. After Easter or if you don’t plan to transform it into a cross, just take it apart and let your children drive nails in the board and build something else. There is little in life that fascinates children as much as using a hammer, nails and a few boards to build something.

Can I build an extra one with my children for a relative or friend? Yes, but you will need to register two times and pay two $10 fees in order to do that. We want to make sure we have sufficient material on hand. A manger is an awesome gift to share with a family friend or relative who would appreciate it but has no children.

I don’t have children but I would like to be involved. Can I? Absolutely! We’ll need help at each site with coordination and preparation. We can even use help early at the Noble Warrors Leadership Zone to cut and prepare material. But perhaps the most important thing you could do is to find a mother with children whose father is unavailable to participate. You could bless her and them by suggesting that she bring the kids to the church where you will meet them and build a manger. If you would like more information about how to plug in please call the Leadership Zone at 804.365.8683 or send us an email at buildamanger@noblewarriors.org.

How much does this cost? The cost for participating in the event is $10 per manger. Our goal is to get most or all of the material donated. So the proceeds will benefit Noble Warriors and help us get www.buildamanger.org off the ground next year. (However, if finances are a hindrance to participation, please talk to the primary contact at your local site. We will try to arrange scholarships at each location.)