Gifts for Kids in Need

Christmas Store needs volunteers and donations, to provide each child two toys and a book.

The Oxford Ole-Miss Rotary Club’s annual project, the Christmas Store, enters its 37th year. This community-sponsored program is operated by the Rotary Club of Oxford-Ole Miss in conjunction with the Interfaith Compassion Ministry. A couple of weeks before Christmas, the club provides two toys and a book for each of the eligible children along with gift wrapping.
ICM has been accepting applications by families, submitted to ICM or school guidance counselors, and the application period has closed. Applications are received from schools, churches and ICM for children up to age 14 who qualify. Each application is screened by a volunteer committee to ensure need, and parents of eligible children are invited by letter to participate.
The Oxford-Lafayette-University community is encouraged to donate in the form of toys, books or monetary gifts, to make a great difference in the life of a deserving child at Christmas.
Toys may be dropped off at ICM at 904 North Lamar Boulevard in Oxford, or a Rotarian will be happy to pick up toy donations. A new, unwrapped toy or book appropriate for a boy or girl up to 14; a retail gift card; or a donation of $30 will provide gifts for a child who might not otherwise receive anything. Monetary donations may be made online here or may be sent to The Christmas Store, P. O. Box 1686, Oxford, MS 38655.
All donations are tax-deductible and can be made payable to ICM/The Christmas Store.
Corporate sponsorships at the support levels of Santa Claus ($2,000-plus), Santa’s Helper ($1,000-plus), Reindeer ($500-plus) and Snowman ($250-plus) also are needed to sustain this annual community initiative.
For more information on volunteering, contact the Rotary Club of Oxford-Ole Miss at oxfordchristmasstore@gmail.com or call 662-259-7150.
Donations by individuals or corporate entities, memorial gifts, and gifts in honor of a special friend or relative, are being accepted. Last year nearly 800 children (typically ages 1-14) in more than 300 families were eligible to participate. Corporate sponsorships are needed.