Community Christmas Store is a 100 percent volunteer-run organization that has been serving the Roanoke Valley since 1993. Each year we accept applications from citizens in Roanoke County, Vinton, Craig and Salem and invite those who qualify to come shop at our store at no charge. The store is setup in a vacant location for two days each December and the shelves are stocked with new household goods, clothing, toys, and food supplies. Each shopper receives a shopping cart and a personal shopper who helps pick out items for the members of his or her family. It is a huge undertaking, and each year we have an anticipated operating budget of at least $60,000.

We are working tirelessly to get this year’s store set up. The location for this year’s store is the former Christian Life International Church, located at 4335 W. Main St. in Salem. The store will be open for our shoppers on Dec. 7 and 8, with an open house taking place on Thursday, Dec. 6.

The CCS volunteers work year-round to collect donations, hold fundraisers and to find a generous building owner willing to donate the use of a building for the store during November and December. We coordinate our efforts with churches, organizations, businesses, schools and individuals. The volunteers shop for goods, assemble shelving and stock and decorate the store. They review applications from potential shoppers, purchasing specifically for the needs, sizes and ages of eligible applicants.

We are currently working to let people know about our drop off hours for donations this year, which can be found below. In addition we would like to share that the open house is on Thursday, Dec. 6, and we’ll be doing the P. Buckley Moss drawing at that time.

Week 1:

Sat., Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Week 2:

Mon., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tues., Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For general information, call President Kristine Bronnenkant at 540-922-2189. Tax deductible contributions can be mailed to: The Community Christmas Store, P.O. Box 616, Salem, VA 24153. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Pat Ball at 540-725-8730.

Submitted by Michelle Dykstra, The Community Christmas Store.