SALEM, Va. – The Community Christmas Store of the Roanoke Valley is back starting Thursday and will continue until Saturday at the Spartan Square Shopping Center for registered families.
This year, the store is providing free clothes, toys and household items to 952 people, including 535 children and 162 seniors.
Saundra Helton has been coming to the Community Christmas Store of the Roanoke Valley for years. In the past, she’s received items for her children. However, this year, she’s looking for herself.
“It’s helped me out with the knowledge, knowing that there are people that care for you and that makes me happy,” said Helton.
The Community Christmas Store of the Roanoke Valley has been helping the community since 1993. The store serves people in Salem, Vinton, Roanoke, and Craig who are 150% outside the poverty level.
Everything people receive is free. They receive items such as clothes, household items and toys. If families make special requests, they can also receive Christmas trees. Also, everyone leaves with a food box from Feeding Southwest Virginia.
What makes the Community Christmas Store of the Roanoke Valley unique is that it’s set up like a department store. People can pick out the items they want. Also, everyone is paired with a personal shopper or volunteer to ensure they get everything they want.
When someone leaves the store, they take home more than $150 of items.
Families register for the store in September or October making selections of what they want. Then volunteers coupon clip or discount shop to make sure families get everything they need. The store also relies on donations.
Grant Coordinator Natalie Sigmon, who also volunteers, said they need volunteers and donations.
“It warms your heart, and it opens your eyes to what is going on in our community and how big the need is,” said Sigmon.
You can still volunteer at the store. The Community Christmas Store is also accepting donations at its store at the Spartan Square Shopping Center.