The Montgomery County Christmas Store is living proof that the citizens of Montgomery County care about those that are at the bottom of the economic heap. Almost 1600 families were served in 2010 which extrapolates to about 3600 people. The way they are served makes this program unique.
The Christmas Store is divided into departments just like a regular department store or like Leggets that occupied that space for many years as a down town Christiansburg shopping center.
The Christmas Store has a 2011 budget of over $183,000. The building is owned by the charity and the only paid employee is the CPA that does the books ( tis is required by law).
Families are selected on the basis of financial need. Each family is allocated points that are spent like money as they select Christmas gifts for their family. They shop for their families just like those families that have more money to spend.
New cloths are available for parents to select for their kids while gently used clothes are available for parents and seniors.
Many items in the store are new. Department managers shop throughout the year for bargains at sales and closeouts. Each family has points to use for household items.
Donations are received throughout the year at the store in Christiansburg or at the Northside Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg. While gathering is a year-long activity distribution is accomplished in only 4 days in December.
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About 3000 volunteers made the program work in 2010. Some of their name tags were used to decorate this Christmas Tree. |
