The Community Christmas store has been serving the Roanoke Valley since 1993, . Its mission is to assist families in need in a dignified manner to shop for their family during the Christmas season. All items in the store are FREE for all who qualify. Families that might benefit from the Store can apply October 17, 27, November 7, and November 21, 2009. Clothing, household items, toys, food and money are collected throughout the year to support the "Store". In the past, hundreds of people have been able to enjoy Christmas due to the generosity of church groups and volunteers throughout the Roanoke Valley. Families are selected according to need and enjoy their own shopping period on Friday, Dec.11 and Sat., Dec. 12 at a place and time to be announced. Each family can select one complete outfit per family member, one toy per family member, and one large household item per family. In addition, each family receives a box of food for the family meal and can shop for other needed food and grocery items.
Categories of items collected to stock the 'Store" are:
Cereal / Instant Oatmeal
Dish / Laundry Detergent / Household cleaners
Toilet Tissue / Paper Towels / Feminine Products / Diapers
Child's socks / underwear (in store packaging)
Money (financial donations are always appreciated)
Please keep an eye out for the Community Christmas Store Box in the Commons beginning the weekend of Nov. 21 and 22 through December 9.
OLN traditionally collects family paper products and household cleaning items as they are items not covered using food stamps and are essential for personal and family hygiene.
