“There was one young boy I won’t forget,” says Kaylee Thompson, our Internship Director, as she shares the impact of last year’s Christmas Store for one student in particular….
“Showing up, arms full of stacked items, excitedly saying, ‘I get to get everyone in my family gifts, and it’s such a good Christmas. I didn’t think there was any way I was going to be able to do this, and I got to get a present for every person in my family!’ What mattered most wasn’t the items themselves, but that he was learning how joyful it feels to give.”
Every Christmas season, CLDI partners with Orchard Elementary and Riverside Middle School, located in the heart of the South Side, to host our annual South Side Christmas Stores. The stores aim to empower families and foster meaningful holiday experiences.
How it works:
- Community members donate new gifts or funds.
- Parents and students shop for items at greatly reduced prices.
- 100% of proceeds go back into next year’s store and local youth programs.
Two Stores, Two Purposes
The two Christmas Stores operate slightly differently, but support the same purpose:
The Orchard Elementary Store empowers parents and guardians to shop for their children. Families can purchase brand-new gifts at drastically reduced prices, maintaining their dignity while stretching their holiday budgets.
The Riverside Middle School Store gives students the chance to be the gift-givers, shopping for family members and friends. There’s something powerful about watching a middle schooler carefully select presents for their loved ones, experiencing the joy that comes from generosity.
Impact That Matters
Last year’s numbers are impactful:
- 84 families representing over 200 children shopped at Orchard Elementary
- Over 350 students found gifts for their families at Riverside Middle School
- More than 160 volunteers made it all possible
But beyond the statistics are the stories: like parents expressing gratitude for the opportunity to choose gifts for their children, or students lighting up as they find the perfect present for their siblings.
Furthermore, all funds raised are 100% pass-through, meaning every penny either goes back into next year’s Christmas Store or supports youth programming in the community.
Get Involved
The Christmas Stores can’t happen without community support. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Donate Gifts: Shop for brand-new items like board games, craft sets, sports equipment, spa kits, or electronics. Popular items include Bluetooth speakers, jewelry, work gloves, and art supplies.
Give Financially: Your monetary donation allows CLDI to purchase gifts directly, ensuring the stores are well-stocked with exactly what families need.
Volunteer: Help set up, wrap gifts, or work the stores themselves. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on a parent’s face as they find the perfect gift for their child.
Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about this incredible opportunity to support South Side families.
Gift donations can be dropped off at Maple Moose locations through December 3rd, and volunteers are needed for store setup, operations, and cleanup.
The Christmas Stores remind us that the best gifts aren’t just about what’s given, but about preserving dignity, fostering joy, and creating opportunities for everyone—regardless of their circumstances—to experience the profound satisfaction of giving to those they love.
Ready to get involved? Visit CLDI’s Christmas Store page for complete details on donating, volunteering, and supporting this incredible community tradition.
