Located in Norman, Oklahoma, The Christmas Store of Cleveland County is a community project involving hundreds of people who donate their energies and resources to help low-income families help themselves to a better Christmas.

How Does the Christmas Store work?

Just before Christmas, a store is set up with donated time, money, and merchandise. Here, low-income families can shop for food, toys, clothing and other gifts. They choose what their family wants and needs, not what someone else thinks they should have. Then they can buy the gifts and food with a fixed quota determined by family size. The individuals pay for these gifts by donating their time setting up the Christmas Store. This allows families to plan their own Christmas and to maintain the self-respect of knowing that they contributed toward their Christmas. Without the Christmas Store, these families would not have food, toys or clothing for Christmas.

Who is Allowed to Shop at the Christmas Store?

Applications must be made in person by an adult family member. Clients must bring proof of identification such as a driver's license or photo ID, a utility bill with the name and address on it, TANF or SSDC papers . Social Security cards for each member of the family are needed. Federal low income guidelines are used, with exceptions being made for temporarily needy families as in the case of fire or other crisis. Referrals can be made by churches and individuals.

How is the Christmas Store coordinated?

The volunteer Board coordinates the activities of students from area schools, the University of Oklahoma, churches, service groups, civic clubs, employee groups, merchants and individuals of Cleveland County, Oklahoma. It joins all of these groups and individuals—many of whom had their own Christmas programs in the past–into one powerful community effort to do a better job of giving more help to more people at Christmas. Their appeal for donations of money, food, gifts and time has been answered from all segments and all income levels.

The Christmas Store may be contacted by phone at (405) 447-5547; Mailing address: P.O. Box 256, Norman, OK 73070.

Updated: November 8, 2007